George pushes for greater support for carers

14.06.2010  Andrew George MP is calling for the contribution of the many thousands of carers in his West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives to be recognised after learning that more than three-quarters (76%) of people looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role.

The statistics, part of new research issued to launch Carers Week (14-20 June), also highlights that 75% of carers say they have lost touch with family and friends, while 4 out of 5 are worse off financially because of their caring role.

Mr George is backing Carers Week’s ‘A life of my own’ campaign, which calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work.

Mr George, who will be meeting with members of the Penzance Carers’ Support Group at the Yacht Inn in Penzance on Friday 18th June 2010 at 2.30pm to mark Carers Week, has paid tribute to all local carers, and has called for them to receive more support in their caring roles.

He said: “Whether the chance to have a long bath or a full night’s sleep – these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in this area. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make to their loved ones, to our local community and to society at large.

“I am supporting Carers Week and want to express my respect and gratitude to all our carers. I want to ensure that those who feel isolated or lonely because of caring, learn about the services and support out there to help them.”

Many celebrity carers have also lent their support and voice to Carers Week, including renowned actor of stage and screen, Sir David Jason, who has personal experience of being a carer. He said:

"A lot of people, including myself, have had to look after someone at a time of illness or infirmity. However, the people who really deserve our support and encouragement are those carers, young and old, who are in this situation day in day out, caring for someone who truly depends on them. With little respite, this must surely be a very demanding lifestyle and I acknowledge the sacrifices they make and the limitations which are placed upon them. Thank goodness they care."

Other celebrities supporting Carers Week, all of whom have experience of caring, include Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Gloria Hunniford, Claire King, Phyllida Law, Miriam Margolyes, Esther Rantzen, Angela Rippon, Tony Robinson, John Stapleton and Chris Steele.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson’s UK, and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

For more information about local events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.