You may be one of the 8,342 people in Argyll and Bute who identified themselves as an unpaid carer in the last census.

If you are, a series of consultation events has been organised aimed at giving you, and any other carers across Argyll and Bute, the chance to share your views.

Councillor Donald McIntosh, Argyll and Bute's spokesperson for social services, said: "It is very important that we succeed in getting the views of the widest possible cross ection of carers in the area.

"This is a great opportunity for all those people across Argyll and Bute who do such a wonderful job in looking after others to come and give us their thoughts on the sort of things which would make a difference to their lives and the lives of those for whom they care."

The Helensburgh event took place earlier this month. The dates and times of the remaining events are:

Lochgilphead – Wed Dec 1, 1.30pm-4pm, Mid Argyll Hospital Conference Rooms.

Campbeltown – Thu Dec 2, 11.30am-2pm, Community Education Centre, Stewart Road

Islay – Mon Dec 6, 11.30am-2pm, Council Service Point, Jamieson Street

Rothesay – Thu Dec 9, 1.30pm-4pm, Pavilion Hall, Argyle Street

Dunoon – Fri Dec 10, 11.30am-2pm, Queens Hall, Argyll Street

Mull – Mon Dec 13, 11.30am-2pm, Salen Resource Centre, Aros

Oban – Tue Dec 14, 1.30pm-4pm, Corran Halls Studio Theatre, Esplanade

Carers are being urged to voice their feelings about their experiences of services provided by Argyll and Bute Council, NHS Highland, Carers’ Centres and other voluntary and independent organisations.

The feedback from these events will be used to help all these organisations plan for the next five years and will be part of the Carer Strategy 2011-2015, called ‘Caring Together in Argyll and Bute’.

Carers can drop in any time at the locations, dates and times shown above to hear about what has been happening and comment on proposals for future services.

Make your voice heard, and make a difference for all carers of all ages.