IT’S national Carer’s Week – and MP Helen Jones backing the initiative in support of Warrington’s carers who are among six million people across the country who provide unpaid care for a loved one who is ill, frail or disabled.
The Warrington North MP’s support comes as new research reveals that almost three-quarters of carers have reached breaking point due to the pressures of their role.
The results show that the strain of caring is causing some carers such extreme levels of stress and depression that they are suffering breakdowns and, in some cases, even attempting suicide.
The Carers Week survey has also highlighted that the vast majority of carers feel their role is overlooked or ignored by professionals (87%), friends (78%) and family members (76%).
Almost two thirds (63%) say that their lives are made “much more difficult” as a result, with more than half saying that it has affected their health and left them worse off financially.
Ms Jones has joined the call for carers to receive more recognition. She said: “There are thousands of people in Warrington who sacrifice their time – and often their health, finances, work and social life – in order to care for a loved one. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make, both to our local community
and to society at large.
” I am taking part in Carers week to express my gratitude and respect for our carers, and also to make them aware that there are services and support available to help them. Caring can be demanding and difficult, so it’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.”
Carers can find out more about local events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, by visiting www.carersweek.org or calling 0845 241 2582.
IT'S national Carers' Week - and MP Helen Jones backing the initiative
in support of Warrington's carers who are among six million people
across the country who provide unpaid care for a loved one who is ill,
frail or disabled.
MP gives backing to Carers' Week
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
