CARERS supporting former members of the armed forces in Wiltshire are to get help thanks to a grant of £29,489 from the Royal British Legion.

It has made the payment to Carer Support Wiltshire so it can identify people looking after those with military connections and help them get funding and training.

Carer Support Wiltshire worker and military wife Catherine Duncan will be drawing on her own experiences to identify and support those who are caring for a loved one.

Among those who know the difficulties of caring for a lover one is Rachel, from Corsham, who looks after her husband who suffers from PTSD.

He was signed off following 20 years’ military service. Finding help whilst her husband was still serving proved difficult.

It wasn’t until her mum suggested she contact CSW that Rachel found the support she and her family needed.

She said: “It was like the light at the end of the tunnel.

"It’s difficult for civilians to understand the challenges faced by those serving and the impact it has on their families. Because Catherine has a military background she understands.”

Mrs Duncan's work will also include supporting those with a service record in the Armed Forces, where typical issues include physical health and mobility issues, following injury during active service and mental health issues, including PTSD.

She said: “The number of carers in the Armed Forces who seek support or access services is small. This is because many do not recognise themselves as carers, or like to ask for help.

"Too often, it’s only when a carer reaches crisis point that their role and its physical and emotional impact becomes clear.”

Wiltshire has a long history with the Army, with Tidworth, Bulford, Larkhall and Warminster barracks based on Salisbury Plain.

In 2013 military personnel in the county was estimated to be 14,125 or 2.9% of the total Wiltshire population. This number is set to increase with the gradual withdrawal of troops from Germany.

Daniel Elser, head of grants and social policy for The Royal British Legion, said: “We are proud to support this project, through which Carer Support Wiltshire will provide tailored support to unpaid carers from within the Armed Forces Community in Wiltshire.

"The project will also engage with local military bases and charities to raise awareness of the specific needs of carers within the community, ensuring organisations work collaboratively to meet the needs of our beneficiaries.

"The Legion is committed to helping all members of the Armed Forces community through thick and thin, including those responsible for caring for a family member, friend or neighbour.”

If you look after someone either serving or retired from the military and would like to find out about the support available contact Catherine Duncan at Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118.