16 May 2014
Nadhim Zahawi MP has pledged his support to carers across Stratford on Avon as part of the national awareness campaign Carers Week, which runs from June 9 to 15. One in eight adults are carers, but the very nature of caring - of being there for a loved one facing ill health or disability - means too often people don’t identify themselves as carers and, therefore, miss out on support. Without the right help and support, caring can have a serious impact on their physical and emotional health, work and finances. Carers Week Quest 2014 is calling on individuals and organisations across the UK - including community groups, GPs, health and social care professionals, employers - to connect with families in their local communities who are providing care. To show their support for local carers, Nadhim Zahawi MP met with the Carers Week supporter charities in Parliament – including Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society and Parkinson’s UK. Nadhim commented: “The contribution that carers make to our communities is hugely valuable and it’s vital that they get support to carry on the work they do - without carers the UK would face a £119 billion care bill. That is why I am supporting this campaign to reach out to carers across Stratford on Avon and help ensure they don’t miss out on support.” A spokesperson for Carers Week said: “By individuals and organisations working together during Carers Week we have a huge opportunity to help thousands of carers and get them support which can mean the difference between coping and crisis.” Events will be taking place across the UK during Carers Week in June, to provide carers with advice, information and support with caring. To find out more about events in Stratford on Avon visit www.carersweek.org