Nick Smith MP has pledged his support to unpaid carers as part of Carers Week 2019, running from June 10-16.

Carers Week is a national awareness event that celebrates and recognises the vital contribution made by those caring without pay for someone living with an illness, disability, mental health condition or as they grow older.

Nick Smith MP attended an event in Parliament to celebrate the valuable contribution carers make locally.

The seven charities driving Carers Week 2019 are calling on individuals, organisations and services to improve the lives of carers by getting them connected to practical and financial support and are calling for a change in the way society supports those doing unpaid care.

The call comes after new research revealed that one in three unpaid carers (35 per cent) are ‘always’ or ‘often’ lonely, compared with just one in 20 (five per cent) of the general population.

Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith said: “The vital support many unpaid carers provide to friends and family members is often hidden away behind closed doors, and that’s why I want to take this opportunity to thank them for the huge contribution they make to society.

“I am supporting Carers Week 2019 and encouraging individuals and organisations to think about what more they can do to get carers connected to support and to ensure that they feel valued and supported.”

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, on behalf of Carers Week, said: “Caring for family or friends can be a rewarding experience, but without the right support it can also have a huge impact on carers’ lives. Our research shows that many carers feel alone and are struggling with low levels of wellbeing despite the invaluable contribution they make.  It’s time carers received greater recognition and support.

“Government, employers, health and care professionals, schools and universities, and each of us individually, all have a role putting carers in touch with practical and financial help.”

To find out more visit www.carersweek.org

 

The charities supporting Carers Week 2019 are Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, MS Society, Rethink Mental Illness and Sense.

Nick Smith MP backs Carers Week 2019
Nick Smith MP backs Carers Week 2019
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