Local MP pushes for greater support and recognition of carers in Brecon & Radnorshire

9.57.30am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Jun 2010

Local MP, Roger Williams, is calling for the contribution of the many thousands of carers in Brecon & Radnorshire to be recognised by the local community and society at large after learning that more than three-quarters (76%) of people looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role.

The statistics, part of new research issued to launch Carers Week (14-20 June), also highlights that 75% of carers say they have lost touch with family and friends, while 4 out of 5 are worse off financially because of their caring role.

Many carers are sacrificing their own lives, unable to do the little things that most of us take for granted in order to carry out vital caring duties for their families and friends, and for their communities. All too often, these unsung heroes are also sacrificing their own health, both physical and mental. Mr. Williams is backing Carers Week's 'A life of my own' campaign, which calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work.

In doing so, he has paid tribute to all local carers, and urged that they receive more support in their caring roles.

Mr. Williams said:

"Whether the chance to have a long bath or a full night's sleep - these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in Brecon & Radnorshire. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make to their loved ones, to our local community and to society at large.

"I am supporting Carers Week and want to express my respect and gratitude to all our carers. I want to ensure that those who feel isolated or lonely because of caring, learn about the services and support out there to help them. To all carers in this constituency, I want you to know, you don't have to struggle on alone."

Many celebrity carers have also lent their support and voice to Carers Week, including renowned actor of stage and screen, Sir David Jason, who has personal experience of being a carer. He said:

"A lot of people, including myself, have had to look after someone at a time of illness or infirmity. However, the people who really deserve our support and encouragement are those carers, young and old, who are in this situation day in day out, caring for someone who truly depends on them. With little respite, this must surely be a very demanding lifestyle and I acknowledge the sacrifices they make and the limitations which are placed upon them. Thank goodness they care."

Other celebrities supporting Carers Week, all of whom have experience of caring, include Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Gloria Hunniford, Claire King, Phyllida Law, Miriam Margolyes, Esther Rantzen, Angela Rippon, Tony Robinson, John Stapleton and Chris Steele.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson's UK, and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

For more information about local events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.

Notes to editors:

Carers Week 2010 takes place from 14-20 June, and highlights the vital work carried out by those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

Carers Week campaigns for greater recognition and support for carers; to ensure that all carers know that they are not alone, and that help and services are available.

· 3,282 carers took part in the survey, both online and by post, which was carried out by Carers Week between 18 February - 7 April 2010. 65% of those surveyed were heavy-end carers, responsible for 50+ hours of care each week.