Carers' week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the huge contribution carers make to the lives of others, while also discussing the challenges they face. For those working in adult social services, it is impossible to ignore both the contribution made by carers within our care system and the growing pressures within this system. What does addressing these pressures mean in practice?

At Westminster City Council we place carers at the centre of our work to make sure all our residents live as full and independent lives as possible. Strategically, they help us in meeting our aim of reducing the demand for more costly intensive services through the prevention of deteriorating health. Carers are supported by services that respect the needs of both the service users themselves and the linked, but distinct, needs of carers. Our council tries to create as many opportunities as possible for carers to share knowledge, to establish social linkages with other carers and recognise the inspiring contribution of carers to our community.