MP highlights the plight of 11,000 Stockport Carers

11.50.46am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 11th Dec 2006

A national report says that more than 11,000 people took on new caring responsibilities in Stockport last year. Many do not know what benefits and support they are entitled to.

Commenting on the figures, Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"Thousands of carers in Stockport are missing out on benefits and support that they are entitled too. If carers do not get the financial and practical support they need, their own health and well being will suffer.

"This report shows that over half of carers did not recognise themselves as a carer during their first year of caring. As a consequence, a third have missed out on benefits and pension entitlements.

"Too many people still do not know what a carer is, yet they save the economy £57 billion each year."

Mr Stunell urged:

"If you are a carer, call CarersLine on 0808 8087777 to find out your rights and entitlements." ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For more information about Carers Rights Day, and the research, go to: www.carersuk.org/carersrightsday

2. Carers UK has produced 'Looking After Someone - a guide to carers' rights and benefits' for all carers, available from www.carersuk.org or by calling CarersLine, which is able to offer advice on any caring situation, on 0808 808 7777.