Carers groups and centres from across Wales that help ensure the well-being of less able members of families and communities have been celebrating this week during Carers Week (June 9 - 15).
The week is now in its third year of support from the Community Fund and involves more than 1,000 groups that operate at a UK and country level.
Since 1995, more than £200 million via 2,941 Community Fund grants has enabled carers to provide sustained health and social care to more than 16 million disabled, frail, long term ill and socially isolated children and adults.
Projects awarded Community Fund grants have enabled carers and families to gain access to specialist information and advice, flexible relief services, advocacy and leisure activities through workshops, telephone helplines and carers centres.
Carers organisations such as the Carers National Association, The Princess Royal Trust and Crossroads - Contact a Family, have been able to support carers and their dependents by conducting outreach work, establishing links with public services and helping carers gain access to opportunities in areas such as employment.
Pembrokeshire Crossroads Caring for Carers received a grant of £54,000 to provide night respite care service throughout the county of Pembrokeshire for carers of people who are severely disabled through illness, physical or sensory disability or through old age.
Henry Johnston, president of Pembrokeshire Crossroads Caring for Carers, said that this grant was crucial in improving the service for carers in the county,
"This money ensured that we could give essential relief for carers," he said. "Due to their commitment as carers they quite often feel isolated even within their own families. Through this grant support we could give them the opportunity to play a greater role in family life and the wider community."
Andrew Pearce, Community Fund director in Wales, explained the Community Fund's support of carers.
"The Community Fund is committed to supporting the carers, so they can continue their valuable contribution of helping those who otherwise could not manage," he said.