'Britain's carers need greater recognition' says Annette Brooke MP

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th Jun 2009

Annette Brooke MP

Annette Brooke MP has teamed up with TV and radio presenter Jonathan Dimbleby to support this year's Carers Week. To celebrate the contribution made by those people in Mid Dorset and North Poole and throughout the UK who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

The theme for Carers Week is 'Carers.... the UK's secret service' and calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work they carry out, so vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.

Annette and Jonathan have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles.

Commenting Annette said: "There are thousands of people in Dorset who sacrifice their time - and often their health, finances, work and social life - in order to care for a loved one. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make, both to our local community and to society at large. I was delighted when I had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister last month to discuss with him the importance of carers, I think he really understood caring can be demanding and difficult. It's so important that carers know that they don't have to struggle on alone."

Jonathan Dimbleby, who has personal experience of being a carer, said: "Just imagine for a moment what would happen if carers ceased to care and simply gave up. There would be no-one to look after millions of frail, elderly and disabled people. It would be a nightmare: chaos, panic and much worse. Of course carers would never behave like that. They are motivated by love, duty and compassion. But those of us who have been in that role, even for a short time, know how testing and draining it can be. That is why Britain's 'secret service' must not be forgotten, ignored or exploited."