REGION'S HALF MILLION CARERS DESERVE MORE RESPECT AND SUPPORT - MEP

12.26.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 6th Jun 2008

Carers Week 2008 kicks off on Monday 9th June and is a celebration of the vital but unsung work of the nation's six million carers, calling for greater public awareness and support for those who care for loved ones affected by a long-term illness, condition or disability.

Local LibDem Euro-MP Liz Lynne has been involved for many years in care and public health issues in the European Parliament and is Co-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer and the Intergroup on Ageing, as well as and Vice-President of the Disability Intergroup.

Speaking today, Liz Lynne MEP said:

"Carers Week highlights the difficulties faced by carers, raising awareness and offering extra support. Over half a million people in our region alone care for loved ones and it is right that we should recognise the great work they do."

"Many carers are so consumed by their duties that they end up isolated, in financial difficulty and without healthy career prospects. There are many local organisations across the country that offer a crucial lifeline to carers and are hosting events for Carers Week. These give great opportunities for carers to find new friends and support and for others to help out with valuable volunteer work."

Carers Week 2008 is organised by ten leading charities including Carers UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Counsel & Care. Many smaller organisations are participating in events locally.

ENDS

Notes:

More news and information on local events can be found on the www.carersweek.org website.

According to the 2001 census there are almost six million carers in the UK, with 558,421 in the six-county West Midlands region.

One in ten UK adults is a carer.

Over 1.3 million carers are over 65 and 1.25 million people spending over 50 hours a week on their caring responsibilities.

Carers save the government an estimated £87 billion each year.