A CARERS' champion who was honoured by the Queen for her work is offering advice to those looking after people with mental illness.

With National Mental Health Day on Tuesday, Mrs Lily Reid said that, in many instances, carers think there is a lack of understanding of their work and that they feel isolated.

"Caring for a severely mentally ill person can leave you with a sense of no confidence. Carers struggle with their inner feelings, trying to come to terms with their situation. The effects of long-term caring may have an impact on your own emotional well-being," she said.

In 1998, she launched Bury Carers Group (Mental Health), a support group for those suffering severe and enduring mental illness and their carers. She is also honorary president of Bury-based care group Crossroads which she helped to found. Earlier this year, she was awarded the MBE for her services to the community.

Mrs Reid advises carers to join a local support group and to ask their GP about counselling. "Be gentle with yourself, allow yourself to make mistakes." she said. "Be forgiving. You have been through a lot. Remember, it will take time. Introduce things you love to do at times when you would have made a sacrifice to meet the needs of the person you love and care for"

Bury Carers Group (Mental Health) can be contacted on (0161) 763 4401.