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Burstow backs Carers Rights Day
December 3, 2004 5:37 PM
Local MP Paul Burstow today backed Carers UK's campaign by calling on the 16,000 people in Sutton who look after a sick, frail or disabled relative or partner to check whether they are getting all of the support they are entitled to.
The MP for Sutton and Cheam's comments were made to coincide with Carers Rights Day, a national awareness day organised by Carers UK, which is funded by the Big Lottery and the European Social Fund. The aim of the day is to inform carers of the benefits and services available and recent changes to these.
Paul Burstow, speaking on Carers Rights Day, said:
'It's a real concern that carers in my constituency may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers are entitled to support - they save the country a fortune and without them the NHS and social care would collapse. Yet they are missing out on vital support, which puts their own health at risk.
'Carers UK's research shows us that carers' own health can suffer as a result of the stresses of caring, so it is vital that carers know their rights, to ensure that they get the benefits and support they need.
'A staggering 2.3 million people in the UK become carers every year. Many people who become carers do not know what help is available and that's why initiatives like Carers Rights Day are so important. All credit to Carers UK for organising it.
'If carers need more information they can call the Carers UK hotline - 020 8880 8125 - for a free Carers Rights Guide.'
Copies of the Guide and further information on carers issues are available at Carers UK's website at: www.carersuk.org Carers with internet access can claim Carer's Allowance online at: www.dwp.gov.uk/carersallowance/index.asp. ENDS.
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