Stunell backs campaign for Stockport's 30,000 carers

12.12.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 14th Jun 2007

This week, local MP Andrew Stunell has celebrated Carers' Week and has urged all local carers to make sure they are receiving the help and benefits that they are entitled to.

The week is dedicated to raising awareness of the six million people in the UK who provide unpaid help and support of a relative or friend who is frail, ill or has a disability.

Mr Stunell commented:

"I hope that by supporting Carers' Week, more of my constituents who are dedicated to looking after someone will find out what services and support are available to them locally.

"Many carers find that they have financial difficulties and caring can affect their personal relationships. The time and commitment carers put in is inspiring - they deserve some help themselves.

"It is important that carers stay healthy and well themselves. Carer's Week will hopefully show them that they do not have to do it alone." END

Notes to editors

1.Carers Week is a partnership of seven UK-wide charities working together; Carers UK, Counsel and Care; Crossroads Caring for Carers; Help the Aged; Macmillan Cancer Support; MS Society; Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers

2.For more information about Carers Week, please visit www.carersweek.org

3. Andrew Stunell has supported the following Parliamentary motion:

That this House expresses its appreciation for the six million people in the UK who provide unpaid help and support to a relative or friend who is frail, ill or has a disability; notes that there are two million new carers each year, many of whom remain unknown to statutory agencies; further notes that Carers Week, being held from 11th to 17th June in 2007, has as its main objective enabling new and hidden carers to access support and services; further notes that being a carer for many people is an all-consuming and life-changing responsibility which can result in them becoming socially isolated; further notes that 1.25 million carers effectively carry out their role 24/7 and that three million carers juggle work and care, so carers miss out on opportunities because of their caring role; and welcomes the Review of the National Carers' Strategy, which presents an opportunity to address key issues for carers such as benefits, how carers can find suitable services to help them and the person they care for, and how carers can maintain their own health and wellbeing.