Justin Tomlinson MP has pledged his support to carers across North Swindon as part of the national Carers Week 2016 awareness campaign.
There are 6.5 million people in the UK who care for a partner, relative or friend, of which 9,805 carers are in North Swindon
The seven charities driving Carers Week 2016 are calling on individuals, organisations and services throughout the country to improve the lives of carers by building ‘Carer Friendly Communities’ – encouraging all parts of the community to think about carers and do things differently to support them. Carers Week is made possible by Carers UK joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Motor Neurone Disease Association and MS Society.
The call comes after research for Carers Week revealed that a combination of inadequate support from local services and a lack of understanding about caring from wider society is having a negative impact on carers’ health, wellbeing, relationships and finances.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Carers make a huge contribution to our society, providing vital and often hidden support to friends and family members.That is why I am supporting Carers Week 2016 and encouraging services across North Swindon to think about what more they can do to help meet the needs of carers and make our communities more Carer Friendly."
Emily Holzhausen said: “With an ever-increasing number of families taking on caring roles for older, ill or disabled loved ones, it is great to see MPs showing their support for carers. While carers have told us that it makes a huge difference when they are recognised and supported by their local services and communities, too many carers tell us they struggling to balance caring with other areas of their lives. By working together during Carers Week we have a huge opportunity to make our communities more Carer Friendly and make a difference to those who contribute so much”.
