Former Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police nominated as Chair of The Princess Royal Trust Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Project

Barbara Rafferty to speak at AGM and meet carers for lunch beforehand

The former Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, Sir William Rae, has been nominated to take the Chair of the Management Committee of The Princess Royal Trust Helensburgh and Lomond Carers' Project. He will formally be put forward for appointment at their AGM on Tuesday 24 June.

Willie Rae, as he was known in his days in the police force, started his career as a 16 year old Cadet in Dunbartonshire in 1966. He held a number of senior positions, including Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway and then of Strathclyde Police, before he retired at the end of last year. He is now keen to use his skills and experience to help develop the work of the Carers' Project.

Willie Rae says: 'I worked very closely with voluntary organisations during my time as Chief Constable and recognised the immense contribution they make to the wellbeing of individuals and communities. I look forward to joining the dedicated team of volunteers and staff who support the work of the Carers' Project and assisting them to take forward their ambitious plans for the future.'
Barbara Rafferty, star of stage and screen and currently playing Shirley Henderson in BBC television's popular soap, River City, will speak at the AGM and meet carers at lunch beforehand.

A carer is someone who provides help and support to a relative or friend who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness, disability or addiction. A carer is unpaid.

The majority of carers do not recognise themselves as carers and many become isolated as they attempt to manage many conflicting roles at great personal and emotional cost. Carers may have trouble maintaining their job, they may be struggling to make ends meet and their own relationships with friends and family members may deteriorate.

Helensburgh and Lomond Carers' Project has been supporting carers in the area since 2000 and is now in contact with over 400 carers in the area.

Eleanor Logan, manager of the Project, says: 'We are delighted that Willie Rae has offered to support our organisation. His vast experience would be extremely beneficial to our work of supporting carers. We estimate that there are 3500 unpaid carers in Helensburgh and Lomond and the care they provide would cost NHS Highland £280million to provide.'

The AGM of the Helensburgh and Lomond Carers' Project will be held in the Ardencaple Hotel Rhu on Tuesday 24 June. Willie Rae and Barbara Rafferty will be available for photographs at 12.45 in the Ardencaple Hotel on that day.

Helensburgh and Lomond Carers' Project supports carers of all ages, no matter what their circumstances. Based at 17E East King Street, Helensburgh, the project can be contacted on 01 436 673 444. The service is free and confidential.