To celebrate the launch of Carers Week, 10-16 June 2013, Damian Hinds has joined forces with actress Lynda Bellingham, to recognise the contribution that carers in East Hampshire make on a daily basis.
Carers Week is an opportunity to celebrate the 6.5 million carers across the UK and raise awareness of the impact that caring has on people’s lives.
In 2013 Carers Week will be focusing on whether the nation is ‘Prepared to Care’. The campaign will highlight how the UK’s current carer population is coping, how effectively government is supporting the growing numbers of carers, and whether the wider population is prepared for future caring responsibilities.
In East Hampshire in 2011, there were 11,631 carers, and 2,028 of them – almost 20% - were providing more than 50 hours of unpaid care a week. In total, carers across the UK save the country £119 billion a year in care costs.
As part of Carers Week, a number of events will be held in and around East Hampshire to help carers access support and advice. Carers can find out what’s going on at www.carersweek.org.
Damian Hinds said
“Thousands of carers across East Hampshire give up their time, sometimes their jobs and often make life changing sacrifices to care for someone. The fact that they save the country billions of pounds a year is an astonishing testament to their commitment to caring, which is why I believe that, as a society, it is imperative that we care for our carers in turn.
“I look forward to seeing the results of the numerous events happening across East Hampshire during Carers Week, and hope that the entire community will gain a better understanding of the truly valuable, and often arduous, work that carers do.”
Actress and former carer, Lynda Bellingham, said:
“My sister and I cared for our mother when she had Alzheimer’s and so I know first-hand the impact that caring can have on someone’s life. That’s why I’m supporting Carers Week because I believe it’s vital that help is made available, especially when you consider that every day 6,000 new people will take on a caring role for a loved one. Carers in this country do a fantastic job and we must come together to support them.
“It’s fantastic to see MPs pledge their support for Carers Week and carers in the UK. Events like this ensure that carers stay at the top of the political agenda and it’s also an opportunity to remind MPs and decision makers of the overwhelming contribution that carers make.”
Helen Clarke, Carers Week Manager, commented:
“It’s fantastic to see MPs taking a stand for carers. Carers form the backbone of our society and that’s why Carers Week is so incredibly important to not only recognise their contribution, but ensure they get the help and support they need.”
Carers Week is delivered by a partnership of national charities – Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK and supported by the Stroke Association and Bupa’s Carewell. In 2013 it is sponsored by Sainsbury’s Plc and the sector skills council in England Skills for Care.