Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MP

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick Upon Tweed

Alan Beith

Alan Beith MP supports Carers' Week call for health checks

11.30.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th Jun 2006

Alan Beith MP has applauded the launch of a new campaign 'Carers want health checks!' which has been unveiled as part of this year's Carers Week (12-18 June).

One in ten adults in the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency provide unpaid help and support to a relative or friend who is either frail, sick or disabled. Many took part in a major national survey of over 5,600 carers, which reveals that more than three-quarters (79%) of carers say that their health has been affected by caring, with stress and depression being amongst the most common complaints. Almost as many (71%) say that health problems affect their ability to care. Only one in four carers (27%) has been offered a health check by their GP, but the survey revealed that nine out of 10 believe that all carers should be offered a health check.

Acting on the results of this study - the largest ever in the UK - the eight national charities* that make up the Carers Week partnership are calling on the NHS to introduce regular health checks within 12 months of someone becoming a carer, and regularly thereafter.

Together with over 260 other MPs, Alan Beith has signed a parliamentary Early Day Motion, supporting carers and Carers Week (EDM 2043).

Alan comments: "I am pleased to have this opportunity to show my support for carers and Carers Week. There are many people in our local community that give their time selflessly to care for others, and it is important that we recognise their health needs. Offering regular health checks is one way we can do this.

"It is shocking that so many carers say their health has been affected by caring. I urge carers not to neglect themselves, but instead ensure they use the services available to them and look after their own health, as well as the person they care for."

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager, says "We are delighted that Alan Beith is supporting the 'Carers want health checks campaign."

Bookmark this story at: del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg FacebookFacebook LibDigLibDig redditreddit StumbleUponStumbleUpon
Print this news story.
Previous news story: "Open up Family Courts," says Beith's Committee (Mon 12th Jun 2006).
Next news story: Rock Hall School welcomes Alan Beith MP (Tue 13th Jun 2006).

Related News Stories:

Mon 26th Jul 2010:

Mon 21st Jun 2010:

Tue 15th Jun 2010:

Wed 19th May 2010:

Tue 23rd Mar 2010:

Tue 16th Mar 2010:

Fri 12th Feb 2010:

Thu 28th Jan 2010:

Fri 8th Jan 2010:

Wed 23rd Dec 2009:

Mon 21st Dec 2009:

Thu 10th Dec 2009:

Fri 4th Dec 2009:

Wed 18th Nov 2009:

Thu 24th Sep 2009:

Wed 16th Sep 2009:

Sun 21st Jun 2009:

Tue 9th Jun 2009:

Mon 18th May 2009:

Mon 27th Apr 2009:

Thu 12th Mar 2009:

Thu 19th Feb 2009:

Fri 16th Jan 2009:

Mon 15th Dec 2008:

Fri 5th Dec 2008:

Mon 13th Oct 2008:

Tue 23rd Sep 2008:

Mon 14th Jul 2008:

Mon 7th Jul 2008:

Sat 14th Jun 2008:

Wed 11th Jun 2008:

Tue 10th Jun 2008:

Tue 13th May 2008:

Mon 28th Jan 2008:

Wed 23rd Jan 2008:

Tue 15th Jan 2008:

Wed 19th Dec 2007:

Mon 17th Dec 2007:

Mon 10th Dec 2007:

Tue 16th Oct 2007:

Mon 21st May 2007:

Sat 25th Nov 2006:

Tue 24th Oct 2006:

Fri 20th Oct 2006:

Mon 9th Oct 2006:

Tue 27th Jun 2006:

Tue 13th Jun 2006:

Tue 6th Jun 2006:

Tue 18th Apr 2006:

Mon 3rd Apr 2006:

Mon 6th Mar 2006:

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY.
Published and promoted by P. Moat for Rt Hon Sir Alan Beith and BCLD, all at 54 Bondgate Within, Alnwick NE66 1JD.
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.