Care Minister Joins Appeal To Support Those Caring For Loved Ones

The Minister of State for Care and Support Norman Lamb MP has joined six major charities to launch a nationwide drive to reach out to thousands of carers missing out on vital support and services (photo attached).

From today, the six charities are calling on individuals and organisations across the UK to sign up to Carers Week 2015, which takes place in June.

Too many carers across all age groups are struggling to look after older, disabled or seriously ill loved ones alone. This year Carers Week 2015 will focus on Building Carer Friendly Communities urging individuals, organisations and service providers in every community, including schools, hospitals, GPs and local authorities to take action to improve the lives of carers.

This could mean running or attending one of thousands of events which will take place across the country, between the 8th and 14th June, or by pledging to support carers in some way. For example an employer could design and implement a carer-friendly policy, a GP could be more flexible about appointment times or an individual could visit a neighbour in a caring role.

Minister for Care and Support, Norman Lamb MP, said:
“Carers do an amazing job and we want to make sure their invaluable contribution to society is recognised. That’s why we changed the law so for the first time carers will have the same rights to assessment and support as the people they care for. Caring can impact on so many aspects of life and it is important individuals, organisations and communities work together to support carers – I would encourage everyone to sign up to this year’s Carers Week and help to build a Carer-Friendly Community.”

Carers Week Manager, Diana Walles, said:
“This is our call to action to urge individuals, organisations and service providers to wake up to the needs of carers and do their bit. Across the UK 6.5 million – 1 in 10 people – are caring for a loved one. Without help and assistance at the right time carers can find themselves facing financial hardship, health problems, emotional stress and relationship breakdown.”

Carers Week is made possible by Carers UK joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support and MS Society.

Individuals and organisations can sign up and also pledge their support to the initiative at www.carersweek.org.