Thousands of carers giving unpaid support to those in need are being encouraged by Tower Hamlets Council to stay healthy themselves with awareness events during Carers’ Week from Monday.

Around 19,000 people in the East End give some form of unpaid care to a relative or friend, more than 3,000 of them being under 25.

They help to look after those with a disability, illness, mental health problem or needing extra help growing older.

The Carers’ Centre Tower Hamlets at Brayford Square in Stepney, which campaigns for better rights and recognition for carers, offers respite care, retreats, counselling and advice. It is holding an activities week next month that includes “pamper” days and outings.

Workshops for carers to have ‘time off’ were held at the centre in October run by the Create arts charity.

The Alzheimer’s Society Tower Hamlets is having an event at Poplar Baths leisure centre in East India Dock Road on June 26 for carers looking after people with dementia. The event from 11am includes singing, dancing and presentations.

The aim of Carers’ Week is to support them and recognise they may also have health and wellbeing needs of their own.