"Carers can't afford to be ill" - Local MP Alan Beith backs initiative to highlight the plight of millions of carers in the UK

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2008

Liberal Democrat MP Alan Beith has teamed up with charity ambassador and actress Pam Ferris to show his support for carers in the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency, who are among the six million people in the UK who tirelessly devote their time and energy to looking after a loved one.

Alan Beith MP and Pam, best known for her roles as Ma Larkin from the TV series "The Darling Buds of May" and more recently Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films, are supporting Carers Week and paying tribute to the huge contribution that carers make, every day of the year, to those they look after and to their communities.

Carers Week - now in its 14th year - tackles the issue of carers' health with a hard-hitting campaign headlining the sobering fact that "Carers can't afford to be ill." A national survey of 2,000 carers reveals that a large majority feel their health is worse as a result of the strain of caring (for many, up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). The results of the survey also highlight that many carers frequently neglect their health, and often have no-one to talk to about their concerns or daily difficulties. Carers Week aims to publicise the support, advice and practical help that is available for those who may be feeling isolated, exhausted or ill as a result of their caring responsibilities.

Alan Beith MP said,

"There are six million carers in the UK including many in the Berwick upon Tweed constituency and I'm pleased to offer my support to them. It's a nationwide issue that affects so many people at a local level and it's vital that we get the message out to carers that they are not alone and help is available.

"I hope that by drawing attention to Carers Week with Pam, many more of my constituents who spend their lives looking after others will realise that there are people who want to care about them, too."

Alan Beith MP has also signed a parliamentary motion (EDM 1369) which publicises the fact that large numbers of carers are not known to the statutory agencies, and their health needs are often overlooked.

Pam Ferris added,

"I'm very happy to be involved in Carers Week and to help raise awareness of the many issues that affect carers across the UK. I have personal experience of caring for loved ones and I know how draining it can be and how important it is to have support from family, friends and healthcare professionals. But if you can take some time to also look after yourself, caring can be an immensely fulfilling and rewarding experience."

A host of other well-known faces are supporting Carers Week, including Paul O'Grady, Tony Robinson and media health experts Dr Miriam Stoppard and Dr Chris Steele.