Press Release
Carers Deserve Our Praise and Thanks
Local MP Tom Clarke wishes to publicly thank all those carers whose work very often goes unrewarded and unnoticed. Carers Week is held in June every year, and this is an opportunity to thank them for the hard work they do and to highlight their cause.
The MP said: “Dedicated carers here in our communities perform a vital role in supporting elderly and disabled relatives and friends – but they also need support themselves. But this year Carers Week isn’t just about saying thanks, as a new Carers Strategy was launched by the Government. Carers should be at the centre of family policy, and deserve greater recognition and status. Over many years I have campaigned fought for carers on issues of key importance. We introduced the Carers Allowance, every local authority now has an annual Carers Grant to support carers and we gave carers the right to request flexible working, making it easier for them to combine paid work with their caring responsibilities. But we need to do more”.
Mr Clarke pointed out, “With an ageing population the demand for care will go up. So there will be more carers having to balance work, childcare and caring for a parent. More people will be caring for their partner whilst also looking after their grandchildren. More parents caring for disabled children, with more children caring for their disabled parents.
That is why I support the Carers Strategy as it sets out action for the carers of today and tomorrow. There will be more information and advice services for carers will be expanded. Along with skills, training opportunities – and professionals who work with carers will get training too. The NHS will trial annual health checks for carers, and look at ways for GPs to support carers better. And there will be more support for the growing number of young carers, both inside and outside school”
The MP concluded: “Perhaps the most important new announcement is about breaks. No matter how much you love someone, caring around the clock can be exhausting. It can put real pressure on carers and families, and can even affect your health. A break, where someone else takes over caring for a while and gives carers time off, can make a huge difference. Carers deserve a life of their own, with opportunities to take part in activities separate from their caring role. It’s important that we thank carers for their love and commitment but these new measures will help to make a real difference to carers’ lives.