Alex Cunningham MP has teamed up with ITV’s ‘This Morning’ celebrity GP, Dr Chris Steele, to support this year’s Carers Week (14th – 20th June) and celebrate the contribution made by people in Stockton North and throughout the UK, who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.
Alex met up with Dr Chris at the House of Commons to pay tribute to carers and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. Alex said:
“Many carers took the opportunity to contact me during the General Election Campaign to talk about the challenges they face on a daily basis and asking me to work on their behalf. I am therefore pleased to support Carers Week and will work with caring organisations to help raise awareness of carers and the priceless contribution they make to our local community. I also hope that Carers Week will result in more carers finding out about the services and support that exist to help them and take advantage of them.”
Dr Chris, who has long been a champion for the health and wellbeing of the country’s millions of carers, said:
“I am delighted to give my continuing support for Carers Week and its focus on a carer’s right to ‘A life of my own’. Many non-carers take free time for granted, whether it’s going to the cinema or meeting with family and friends. As a GP I have met many carers who have never received any help or respite. Carers Week is vital in raising awareness and promoting carers’ issues.”
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 information about Carers Week, including local events and activities, and where carers can find information and assistance, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.