CARERS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE UP FINANCIAL AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT

Local MP Mark Hunter spoke out on national Carers Rights Day to support Carers UK's campaign urging people caring for ill or disabled loved ones to find out about the financial and practical support they are entitled to.

There are over 10,500 carers in Cheadle constituency and around 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, saving the country an estimated £119 billion each year.

Mark commented, saying:

'Carers are fulfilling a vital role in our society, but too often they go without the support they need because they don't know about the support available.

'We must all play a role in helping to identify and support people who are looking after ill, frail or disabled loved ones and making sure they get the right information and advice about the support they are entitled to as early as possible.'

Carers UK Chief Executive Heléna Herklots said:

"Caring can be tough and finding out about what support is available can feel like finding your way through a maze of information. It's essential that carers are given information and advice to guide them early so they don't miss out on vital support.

Without help and assistance carers can find themselves facing financial hardship, health problems, emotional stress and relationship breakdown. This has serious consequences for individuals and families and for employers and the UK economy as a whole.

This Carers Rights Day we particularly want to make sure that carers know about their new rights in the Care Act and the Children and Families Act coming in next year as well as changes to flexible working rights and benefits."

Carers can order a free copy of our guide to carers' rights and benefits called Looking after someone from Carers UK by visiting www.carersuk.org or calling Carers UK's Adviceline on 0808 808 7777.