On New Year's day prominent people are publicly recognised in the honours list for the invaluable services they have rendered to the community. It is good that this is so. However, there is one group that renders very valuable service to the community but often goes unrecognised.

They are the carers - the one and a half million people who look after sick, frail aged and incapacitated family members in their own homes. About one in five households need the services of a carer.

On any day of the week carers can be found cooking meals, taking sick or elderly people to doctor's appointments, changing linen, running errands and doing the shopping.

Carers come from all walks of life. All of them make big sacrifices to care for and maintain the wellbeing of those who are unable to adequately care for themselves.

While they care for others, it is of vital importance that carers learn to take care of themselves. If they don't, stress will take its toll and there will be two people to take care of instead of one. Experienced carers recommend the following strategies:

* Every day take some time for rest and relaxation. They recommend that you take a break from caring twice in the week and that you take a holiday from caring at least once a year. It is good to have an interest or hobby which is outside the caring role.

* Nobody can be "on call" 24 hours a day. Carers need to accept their limitations and allow others to help them.

* Use the services that are available. It is estimated that only one in four carers use Government subsidised services such as: home help, respite care, meals on wheels, district nurses etc. Your local Carer Resource Centre will be able to advise you of the services which are available in your area. The Centre can be reached on a national free-call number (1800 242 636).

Make sure you are supported in your role as carer. Talk things over with someone you can trust. Join a carer support group. This is a group of carers who get together to give each other support, understanding and practical help. There are Associations of Carers in each State.

* Families and Parishes (especially those who have a Care and Concern group) can be carers' greatest supports. They can help share the burden of caring for both the patient and the carer. They can give practical assistance with household responsibilites, minding the care recipient and giving caregivers the personal, moral and spiritual support they need.

Michael Gilbert, C.Ss.R.