Alex Cunningham has pledged his support to carers across the Stockton Borough as part of the national awareness campaign Carers Week, which runs from 09-15 June.
One in eight adults are carers, but the very nature of caring – of being there for a loved one facing ill health or disability – means that, too often, people don’t identify themselves as carers and therefore miss out on support.
And Labour’s Stockton North MP has added his voice to Carers Week Quest 2014, which is calling on individuals and organisations across the UK – including community groups, GPs, health and social care professionals, employers – to connect with families in their local communities who are providing care.
Without the right help and support, caring can have a serious impact on their physical and emotional health, work and finances.
To show his support for local carers,Alex met with Carers Week supporter charities in Parliament – including Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society and Parkinson’s UK. He was also pleased to meet locally with a representative of the Eastern Ravens Trust which works with young carers.
Alex said:
“Carers make a hugely valuable contribution to society and they need support to carry on the work they do. Without carers, the UK would face a £119 billion care bill. That is why I am supporting this campaign to reach out to carers across the Stockton Borough and wider Tees Valley to help ensure they don’t miss out on the support they are entitled to.”
A spokesperson for Carers Week said: “By individuals and organisations working together during Carers Week, we have a huge opportunity to help thousands of carers and get them support which can mean the difference between coping and crisis.”
