Anne- Marie Trevelyan, the MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, has pledged her support to carers across North Northumberland as part of the national Carers Week 2015 awareness campaign, which runs from 8-14th June.
There are 6.5 million people in the UK who care for a partner, relative or friend, of which 8615 carers are in the Berwick constituency.
Carers Week 2015, which is spearheaded by six charities, are calling on individuals, organisations and services throughout the country to take action to improve the lives of carers by building ‘carer-friendly communities’ that consider and support their needs.
The call comes after research for Carers Week revealed that the variation in the support and recognition carers experience from services across the country is putting the health of many carers, and their ability to support the people they care for, at risk.
Carers Week Manager Diana Walles said “It is fantastic to see MPs, like Anne-Marie Trevelyan, supporting carers. Families are increasingly taking on caring roles for older, ill or disabled loved ones, yet still struggle for recognition and support from health and care services and in their communities. Much progress has been made – indeed, over 1,000 people and organisations have already pledged to actively engage with carers in their local community for Carers Week and into the future. But we still have a long way to go. This Carers Week, we are calling on individuals and organisations to think about what they can do to improve the lives of carers in their community.”
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who was carer to her grandmother for the last few years of her life added; “Carers make a hugely valuable contribution to society. Without the right help and support, caring can have a devastating impact; carers can quickly become isolated, with their physical and emotional health, work and finances all hit hard. That is why I am supporting this initiative to encourage services in my community to think about the needs of carers and help ensure they do not miss out on support.”