Stunell joins celebrities to back Carers Week 2005

3.16.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 9th Jun 2005

Local MP, Andrew Stunell is joining celebrities including Graham Norton, David Jason, Esther Rantzen and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen to lend his support to this year's Carers Week (13th - 19th June).

Andrew Stunell MP said:

"There are an estimated 6 million carers in Britain today. It is vital that they receive the support they need to continue caring while leading fulfilling lives of their own.

There is help and support available to carers so I would urge anyone in Stockport who looks after a friend, relative or partner to contact their local carers group as soon as possible."

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said:

"I know from first hand experience in my own family that it's not easy being a carer. It can be physically, emotionally and financially draining which is why it's so vital that carers get the support they need to take a break from it and spend time doing their own thing - whether it's relaxing, working or pursuing hobbies."

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager added:

"We're delighted that Andrew Stunell MP is supporting Carers Week 2005. If it helps one carer get access to the support they need, it will have been worthwhile."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. There will be a Carers Information Day held at Stockport Town Hall on June 14th. Approximately 70 organisations from across Stockport will have Information stands, there will be a Health Zone, Hand/head massages and free tea & coffee for all. The organisers hope to have around 400 Carers attending on the day. The event is free and open to anybody with an interest in caring. Please email Nigel Greaves signpoststockport@tiscali.co.uk for more information.

2. Andrew Stunell is bringing Carers Week 2005 to the attention of Parliament by backing the following Parliamentary motion:

Carers' Week 13th to 19th June 2005

That this House expresses its appreciation of the six million people in the UK who provide unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or partner who could not otherwise manage because they are ill, frail or have a disability; welcomes the unique partnership of seven national charities, Carers UK, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Aged, Macmillan Cancer Relief, MS Society, Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers who together organise Carers Week; congratulates the many employers who already have flexible working practices; encourages other employers to support their staff who juggle work and care; notes that carers currently save the Exchequer £57 billion every year; and calls for the provision of better support and services for carers.

3. Further information can be found at www.carersweek.org/whatshappening.asp

4. Information about local carers groups can be found at www.carersuk.org www.carers.org