News Date: Monday 13th February 2006
Tim calls on Government to offer more support to carers.
In the light of last week's ITV News investigation into the isolation and bad health of carers, Tim is backing calls from Carers UK for a new Carers Champion in Government.
The so called 'Carers Czar' would propose and lead on initiatives to improve the life of those looking after sick or disabled relatives. In the recent Health and Social Care White Paper the Government have pledged to review the National Strategy for Carers but in order for it to be a success, it needs to be led on from a senior level within Government by a Carer's Champion.
Tim commented:
"The health of an astounding 59% of carers has deteriorated as a result of their caring responsibilities and around half of all carers have had to give up work because of their caring. This is totally unacceptable, the Government must take action to ensure that all carers receive a proper assessment of their needs and get the emergency respite care and information which they desperately need.
"I am concerned that there are carers in East Worthing or Adur that may be struggling both financially and in terms of their own well being. I would urge carers who need more support to call the CarersLine on 0808 808 7777 and make sure they are receiving all the help they are entitled to.
"Society and the state owe carers an enormous debt of gratitude and the problems which many carers face on a daily basis should be tackled urgently."
Note to Editors:
1) More information about Carers UK can be found at www.carersuk.org.
2) ITV NEWS' special series 'Who Cares' ran on ITV lunchtime and evening programmes all last week.
?, Tim Loughton MP , 2006
