DEVOTED husband Ken Hopcroft is one of thousands in Newport caring for a sick or disabled partner, relative or friend.

Many are unaware of services that could be of assistance. But a number of events are taking place in Newport during Carers Week next week to try to highlight the help and support that is available.

Mr Hopcroft and his wife Shirley have lived in the Ponfaen area of Newport for just over a year after moving to the city from Windsor.

"I have had breathing problems for a long time," said Mrs Hopcroft, a frail 73-year-old. "But early in March I fell over and shattered my shoulder and damaged all the nerves in my arm."

Her grandson occasionally visits from his Slough home and a professional carer goes in once a day, four days a week, to help get Mrs Hopcroft dressed, but otherwise 67-year-old Mr Hopcroft is the carer.

His day starts as soon as his wife wakes at about 5am, sometimes earlier, and he makes a cup of tea. "Ken has to do my hair because I can't use my hand."

During the day he has to get the meals, tidy the house, help her with a nebuliser when she needs it, and assist her to the toilet. "If I go shopping I have to do it very quickly because I don't like leaving her for too long."

They start preparing for bed at about 10pm. "It takes about an hour to get her ready for bed and during the night she wakes up two or three times to go to the toilet."

The couple said they had received a lot of support from their local doctors, but it was only by accident that they had found out about a specialist advice service for carers.

Carers Contact has an office in Newport Provisions Market, High Street, where people can drop in to get information.

Mr and Mrs Hopcroft, who were able to get the assistance of the professional carer after speaking to Carers Contact, agreed it provided a good service.

"There should be more help for carers," said Mrs Hopcroft. She said even the woman who visits them could only go for an hour a day. "She is rushed off her feet."