The ‘Here for Carers / Yma i Ofalwyr’ campaign has officially been launched across Wales by the minister for health and social care, Prof. Mark Drakeford.

Run in partnership between Public Health Wales, Community Pharmacy Wales and Carers Trust Wales, the campaign focuses on the medication support and advice community pharmacies can give to unpaid carers in Wales, as well as raising awareness of the carers' role among staff.

As part of the campaign, which runs until 31 October, a bilingual booklet, A carers guide to managing medicines / Canllaw I ofalwyr ar reoli meddyginiaeth, will be available in all 716 community pharmacies across Wales, free of charge for all unpaid carers. It is hoped that this will be an invaluable source of information for them and ensure they provide the best and safest healthcare possible.

Simon Hatch, director of Carers Trust Wales, said: “This campaign is a fantastic way to ensure valuable contributions unpaid carers make in Wales is being fully recognised, as they often deal with tasks that can equate to those of a medically qualified nurse.

“That’s why it’s essential that we ensure carers are fully informed and have access to advice and support in managing medicines for those they care for. We’re delighted to be working with pharmacies, as they are important community hubs and the perfect place to reach out to the 370,000 carers in Wales, helping them get the information, advice and support that they need.”

Speaking at the launch in Cardiff, Prof. Drakeford commented that the impact of the campaign will live on long after October.