John Baron MP pushes for greater recognition of carers in Basildon and Billericay

MP highlights carers week 14-20 June

John Baron MP has highlighted the valuable contribution of the many thousands of carers in Basildon and Billericay. New statistics, part of research issued to launch Carers Week (14-20 June), 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 in looking after family and friends. John is backing Carers Week’s ‘A life of my own’ campaign, which calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work.

John said:

“A full night’s sleep is often a luxury for many hundreds of carers in Basildon and Billericay. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make to their loved ones, to our local community and to society at large.

“With the help of Carers Week I hope 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 [star of ‘Only Fools and Horses’] 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.

Ends

Word Count: 390

Date: 14^th June 2010

Notes to Editors

• Carers Week 2010 takes place from 14-20 June, and highlights the vital work carried out by those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

• Carers Week campaigns for greater recognition and support for carers; to ensure that all carers know that they are not alone, and that help and services are available.

• 3,282 carers took part in the survey, both online and by post, which was carried out by Carers Week between 18 February – 7 April 2010. 65% of those surveyed were heavy-end carers, responsible for 50+ hours of care each week.