A FEW of the thousands of unpaid carers in Wiltshire are given a voice in a new film.

Carers’ Voices records the thoughts of different groups of people who may not always go to meetings to make their views known.

The idea is to allow local government and school staff, councillors and NHS personnel a better idea of what unpaid carers face.

In the DVD, six unpaid carers describe the physical and emotional challenges of caring and speak of their hopes and dreams.

A wife talks about looking after her husband with dementia and an 18-year-old carer describes her life. A mother who cares for one child and faces challenges looking after her other children also gives her account.

Bosses say these people’s voices need to be heard because the 2011 census showed there were 47,608 carers who provide unpaid care in Wiltshire.

Keith Humphries, Cabinet member for public health, said: “This DVD delivers a powerful message which everyone should hear. Many unpaid carers continue to be the unseen who have often been silently struggling to cope with their responsibilities. I hope this film reassures carers that they are not alone and help and support is available.”

The film is the thirteenth in a series called the Wiltshire Voices project. The first 12, paid for with cash from central government, captured the lives of different groups from Army wives, Polish people and stroke survivors to boat-dwellers.

The film and the other 12 can be viewed online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/wiltshirevoices. Area boards throughout Wiltshire will also be using the films to better inform decisions.