The Looking After Me, or LAM, courses held by Devon Primary Care Trust are designed to get carers thinking about their own needs.

Carmel Farconi, from the Primary Care Trust, said: ‘We want to get people to realise they can give time to themselves without feeling guilty.’

‘We don’t do as many LAM courses as I’d like but I think we’re going to grow that in the next financial year.’

‘The whole idea is to stop them feeling guilty about making time for themselves and planning the time in and recognising the importance of their own health.’

Mrs Farconi explains that carers were first asked to talk about their current roles, but concentrating on themselves rather than the person they care for.

The course goes on to help them with looking after their cared-for, address their own extreme tiredness, and help them cope with feeling down.

Within the course they talk about relaxation technique and cognitive therapies, about exercising and healthy eating.

Farconi added: ‘They love the idea of coming to a group and sharing experiences and information. They often come out with a major action point, such as making sure they get interim care so they can go off for a break.’