A new service for people caring for sick relatives is being launched in Abingdon Community Hospital.

The hospital, in Marcham Road, was unveiling the new initiative during a coffee morning at the start of carers' week today.

The service is a joint venture between the hospital, run by the Oxfordshire Community Health Trust, and the South and Vale Carers Centre.

It will put health workers and relatives in touch with carers centre outreach worker Ann Johnston. She will arrange to meet them either at the care centre, based in Didcot, the hospital or at their homes.

She says people often find themselves having to look after a relative and claims there are many issues carers need to find out about quickly, such as state benefits and mobility aids.

Mrs Johnston said: "We want to make sure the carers get all the help and support they can. If you are thrown into a caring role you need a lot of questions answered, but also you need emotional support, which is very important.

"Hospitals and GPs can give you advice about caring but it takes time and they are under pressure as it is. What we are saying is get in touch with us. We're all trained and we can take the necessary time to help."

Jane Hillier, day hospital co-ordinator at Abingdon, said: "There is an increasing number of people caring for their relatives in the community. After carrying out research we realised that more informal support and advice was needed." "This really is a great opportunity. We have spent the last few months planning the new service and are pleased that we are able to launch it at the start of carers' week." Harmony hope at opera GARSINGTON Opera opens tonight with hopes high that harmony may prevail with neighbours.

Last year, some villagers turned on lawn mowers and played radios in their gardens in protest at noise disturbance and traffic.

But organisers say they are confident that the tenth season of the opera, which will run until July 5, will be one of the most successful.

The opera says it has invested heavily in noise reduction systems. Many local residents attended last night's dress rehearsal as guests of the opera.

This year's season will include operas by Mozart, Rossini and Verdi.

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