A Mitcham family has urged unpaid carers to reach out for vital support from a local charity.

Leigh and Trina Woods have four children.

Mr Woods has severe osteo-arthritis and their youngest child has speech and language difficulties, so 11-year-old Troy and nine-year-old Lewis have to take on the role of part time carers for their dad and brother.

The family are helped by Carer Support Merton (CSM), which offers advice and support for unpaid carers of all ages across the borough - from free therapy sessions to help claiming benefits and allowances. From Monday the organisation is set to run a series of events marking national Carers Week.

And Mrs Wood has urged other local families to take advantage of the life changing support offered to herself and her sons.

The boys have to lend a hand with shopping, washing and looking after their dad when their mum is out of the house.

Mrs Woods said: “I have a lot of respect for what they do at CSM.

"They have helped the boys to have time-out from their caring responsibilities.

"The boys look forward to coming to a regular club night where they know that other people understand them – they can talk if they want to and they enjoy learning new things.

“It is such a relief for me to know that the boys have this support and understanding. We have not found this anywhere else.”

CSM has a group for young carers that offers activities, trips and support. Mrs Woods has taken advantage of respite sessions, support and advice from the charity.

Next week’s activities - for more information call 0208 646 7515 or email info@carerssupportmerton.org.uk.

Monday, June 8: Carers can enjoy a complementary cream tea and find out more about services available to them at a drop in session at Raynes Park library from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Tuesday, June 9: A meeting at the Nelson Hospital, Kingston Road, Raynes Park, between 10am and 2pm will offer advice on balancing work and caring from a variety of organisations.

Wednesday, June 10: An event outlining benefits available to unpaid carers, whether they are in or out of work, will take place at Vestry Hall, London Road, Mitcham, from 10am to 12.30pm.

Thursday, June 11: A taster day features free respite activities including yoga, pilates, belly dancing, massages and craft activities. Visitors can speak to other carers at the South Mitcham Community Centre on the Phipps Bridge Estate between 10am and 5pm.

Friday, June 12: Young carers aged five to 12 and their families are invited to a free drop-in session at CSM’s youth club. Kids can enjoy a play bus and team games, cookery, arts and crafts and more. The event takes place at Lavender children’s centre in Steers Mead, Mitcham from 7pm to 9.15pm.

Saturday, June 13: The charity will have a stall at the Mitcham Carnival, and young carers will be taking part in the parade that opens the celebration.

• For more of what’s on, go to our Events section