Carers feel "woefully let down" by a lack of support, according to a new survey.

Research from Carers Week of more than 80 London carers has revealed that they feel woefully let down by a lack of support when they first take on the role.

Released to coincide with the launch of Carers Week 2013, the findings show that 83 per cent of London carers were unprepared for all aspects of caring and a further 77 per cent of carers say they were not aware of the support available.

Sutton has 18,298 registered carers.

The research outlines the emotional, physical and financial effects that caring can have as people are not prepared for the impact of their caring role.

Of the carers asked, 65 per cent have experienced depression and 95 per cent surveyed say they feel more stressed because of their caring role.

Helen Clarke, carers week manager, said: "The figures clearly show that carers are not’t being offered support and if they are, it can often be wrong or not the full information.

"The consequences for carers are huge, so it’s vital that GPs, health and social care professionals and the government all play a role to ensure that carers are offered the support they deserve from day one."