Liberal Democrats in Andover back Carers' Week

12.00.00am GMT Mon 9th Jun 2008

A leading Liberal Democrat in Andover has given his backing to Carers' Week to show support for the thousands of local residents who care for dependent relatives and friends.

Carers Week is a partnership of 10 UK-wide charities (Carers UK, Counsel and Care; Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Neurological Alliance, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and WRVS) to promote the unpaid work done by the six million people in the UK who support and care for others.

Carers Week starts on 9th June and runs until 15th June.

"I decided to back Carers' Week as there are some six million carers who save the nation £87 billion every year", said County Councillor Robin Hughes

It is estimated that there are up to 126,000 carers in Hampshire with around 19,808 carers providing more than 50 hours of unpaid care per week. That is a huge army of people who by their efforts help others to live as normal a life as possible at home, rather than being dependent on health services and other groups for support. It is anticipated that, due to demographic changes and growth, the number of people requiring support and services will increase.

"Many carers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and too often, the contribution they make is not recognised by society generally. By supporting Carers' Week, I hope to highlight the work carers do and hopefully raise awareness amongst the general public of their importance."