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AN emergency appeal has been launched to help unpaid carers who are supporting family and friends during the Covid-19 crisis.

Bosses at the Carers Trust say there are many carers in Renfrewshire who are suffering from isolation and health issues as they work around the clock.

The charity's emergency fund will provide grants of any amount up to £300 directly to carers who are struggling.

Carers Trust chief executive Gareth Howells has urged people to donate, saying the money will help those who form "the backbone of our society."

He added: "All too often, the commitment and sacrifices made by carers go unnoticed.

"At Carers Trust, we are constantly hearing about the daily struggles of unpaid carers and how their lives have now been thrown into turmoil as a result of coronavirus.

"Some unpaid carers simply cannot find food because foodbanks have closed. Others are spending considerable amounts of money caring for their family members because it's not safe for the social care workforce to do so.

"That's why we are launching the carers emergency fund. It will increase the number of grants we are able to make and ensure this happens as quickly as possible to ease the pressures on unpaid carers.

"This fund also shows Carers Trust's determination to stand by these heroes, keeping them afloat so they can continue to care for their loved ones.

"I'd urge anyone able to do so to visit the Carers Trust website to donate and show their support for unpaid carers, who really are the backbone of our social care system."

Donations can be made online at www.carers.org.