STILL Game's Isa has revealed how the popular sitcom's Boabby the Barman helped her to realise she was a carer following the launch of a new Scottish Government campaign.

Jane McCarry, who plays Isa Drennan in BBC Scotland's Still Game, has been named as the ambassador for the Scottish Government's new Carers Wellbeing campaign.

Jane marked the launch of the campaign in a video yesterday.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted to be the ambassador for the Scottish Government's Carers Wellbeing campaign.

Glasgow Times:

"I actually didn't even think of myself as a carer. It was a few years ago, we were at a do and Gavin Mitchell who plays Boabby the Barman introduced me as an actor, a teacher and a carer.

"I was like 'Gavin, that's a riddy, I'm not a carer. I only look after my mum, my dad and the kids!' And he went 'Jane, that is what a carer is.'

"That's the message I want to pass on, to say to people who don't realise they are carers all the good work that is available to them that the Scottish Government has put together with carers."

Jane is known as a "sandwich carer" where she cares for her parents, her children and also juggles work responsibilities.

The drive aims to ensure all new carers are aware of the support that is out there for them to access - particularly those who don't realise they are carers.

Local carer centres in Glasgow can assist them with creating their own personalised support plans.

Joe FitzPatrick, the Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing gave his support to the campaign.

He said: Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick attended the virtual Carers Parliament event. He said:

“Carers are juggling a lot between work, family, friends and their caring duties - it’s crucial for their own wellbeing that they get the support they deserve.

“They may not be aware of what’s available to them, or they may not even recognise themselves as carers, but there is support available nationally and locally to help improve their quality of life.

“Crucially, we want carers to recognise that they’re not alone. There is a community of carers on every doorstep and every street. Together, it’s important to connect them with emotional and practical support that works for them.”

Jane said: “I know first-hand how challenging it is to be a carer for a close friend, neighbour or family member. The working day doesn’t end yet you never view your responsibility as a burden because you’re ‘just’ looking after someone you love.

“The reality, however, is hard – both mentally and physically - and sometimes we all need some support, be it counselling, peer support sessions or even just sitting down for a virtual cuppa with someone who knows what you’re going through.

“I’d encourage anyone in a caring role to seek out the support that’s on offer to them.”

For more information on support available to carers, readers can visit NHS Inform or call 0800 011 3200.