CHIDGEY SAYS: 'CARE FOR THE CARERS'

4.45.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 4th Jun 2004

David Chidgey, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, is urging his constituents to support this year's Carers Week.

David Chidgey said:

"Carers Week is a fantastic opportunity to show our support and appreciation for the UK's six million carers. Day after day they devote their selves to others, often forgetting their own health. It is for this reason that we must highlight their actions and make sure they receive the support they need. After all, three out of five of us will have to be a carer at some point in our life.''

This year, Carers Week takes place on 14th to 20th June. The fourth of its kind, it will focus on the health and well being of carers. Its aim is to raise awareness of the extra role that carers take on, and the resultant health issues they face.

Mr. Chidgey said:

"At a time when the population is ageing and the NHS is faced with numerous problems, we need carers more than ever. Not only do they save the NHS over £57 billion a year, they keep families and communities together that would otherwise fall apart. A life as a carer however, can often be very lonely and isolated. We need to make it easier for carers to find support and know that they are not alone.''

David has signed an Early Day Motion, along with his colleagues in Westminster, highlighting his admiration for carers. He has also sent a message of support to the campaign. To read it and learn about events in Eastleigh go to www.carersweek.org