MP and celebrities back Carers Week

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Hands joins Delboy and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

Hammersmith & Fulham MP, Greg Hands, is joining celebrities including David Jason, Esther Rantzen and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen to lend his support to this year’s Carers Week (June 13-19).

Carers Week is an annual event that raises awareness of carers – people who look after a sick or disabled friend, partner or relative – and issues that affect them.

During this year’s event thousands of events will be taking place up and down the country to give carers a break and highlight the support available to them.

"I know from first hand experience in my own family that it's not easy being a carer,” says Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. “It can be physically, emotionally and financially draining which is why it's so vital that carers get the support they need to take a break from it and spend time doing their own thing - whether it's relaxing, working or pursuing hobbies."

There are an estimated six million carers in Britain today, many of whom don’t recognise themselves as carers and aren’t aware of the support and services available to them.

Commenting, Greg said: “Carers make an invaluable contribution to society and save the Exchequer an incredible £57 billion every year.
It’s vital that they receive the support they need to continue caring while leading fulfilling lives of their own. There is help and support available for carers so I would urge anyone in Hammersmith & Fulham who looks after a friend, relative or partner to contact their local carers group.”

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager, has said: “We’re delighted that Greg Hands MP is supporting Carers Week 2005. If it helps even one carer get access to the support they need, it will have been worthwhile.”

2005 is the eleventh annual Carers Week. It is jointly organised by seven UK-wide charities; Carers UK, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Aged, Macmillan Cancer Relief, MS Society, Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

 

June 2, 2005