PEMBROKE Dock Library has become the latest organisation to be recognised for its commitment to carers and their families.

The library has achieved the Investors in Carers Bronze Level award - a regional partnership quality standards scheme.

The initiative is delivered through Hywel Dda University Health Board with Pembrokeshire County Council and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

It was originally designed to help health facilities improve their carer awareness and the support they give carers. Now it has been developed for other settings including education, social care and libraries.

Stuart Croxford from Pembroke Dock Library said the staff are delighted to receive the award.

“A key role of the library is to support people to access information so they are well placed to provide help for unpaid carers,” he said.

“Training received from Julie Campbell (PAVS) has given the staff confidence to identify unpaid carers and to signpost them onto other services, such as Pembrokeshire Carers Information and Support Service.”

Library Development Officer Laura Evans added: “Being part of the Investors in Carers scheme has meant that libraries are now part of a wider group of organisations all with aim of supporting people in their caring role.”

Cabinet Member for Social Services Cllr Tessa Hodgson said she was delighted to present the award on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council.

She said: “Carers are so integral and important to the elderly and vulnerable in our communities and recognising this and providing such a comprehensive support and information hub in Pembroke Dock is really welcome and something that can, in time, be shared across other libraries in the county.”

Investors in Carers was developed in Ceredigion in 2006 and since 2013 it has been an integral part of the overall West Wales Strategy for Carers. It also helps meet the needs of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and the new Welsh Government national priorities for adult and young Carers.