Carers Direct is the comprehensive information, advice and support service run by the NHS and developed with carers and the national carers' charities. It is available seven days a week online here and as a helpline (freephone - 0808 802 0202, email and post. Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends).

The helpline has 30 trained advisors providing free, confidential advice, information and support to carers seven days a week. The website has more than 900 articles, 12 videos, tools, forums and carers' blogs. Carers Direct also keeps in touch with carers and partner organisations through their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Carers Direct fulfils the Government's commitment - in the 2008 National Carers Strategy - to give carers accessible and reliable information to enable them to access services and support for themselves and the person they care for.