Sandra Gidley MP Highlights Vast Turnover of Carers in Local Area

Written by Sandra Gidley on Fri 8th Dec 2006

Local MP Sandra Gidley Today highlighted new research by leading charity Carers UK which showed that nearly a staggering eight thousand people face new caring responsibilities in Eastleigh and Test Valley each year. A similar number relinquish caring responsibilities every year.

The research is released to mark Carers Rights Day on Friday 8 December 2006 - a national day of action organised by Carers UK to raise awareness of carers' rights and entitlements.

The same report also highlighted that many carers - people looking after relatives, friends and neighbours who are caring for disabled, chronically ill and frail relatives were missing out on benefits, practical support and information.

Key findings in the report show that 65 per cent did not recognise themselves as carers in the first year of caring: for a third (32 per cent) recognition took over five years. As a consequence, one in three (33 per cent) believed they had missed out on benefits and pension entitlements, the majority (58 per cent) for over three years.

Local MP Sandra Gidley said, "If carers do not get the financial and practical support they need, they suffer from a poor quality of life, cutting back on the essentials they need to get by, and paying a heavy price in terms of their own health and wellbeing. Too many people still do not know what a carer is, yet they save the economy £57 billion each year."

"Everyone has a duty to make sure that carers know about their rights and entitlements, from family and friends, the general public, to employers, local authorities and health bodies. They can play an important role by signposting carers to advice sources, like our helpline."

For more information about Carers Rights Day or to find out if there is a local event in your area, go to: www.carersuk.org/carersrightsday

Carers UK has produced 'Looking After Someone - a guide to carers' rights and benefits' for all carers, available from www.carersuk.org or by calling CarersLine, which is able to offer advice on any caring situation, on 0808 808 7777.

-ends-

Wednesday 6 December 2006

Notes to Editors

1. Copies of the full report launched by Carers UK, entitled 'In The Know', and the rights guide can be downloaded from www.carersuk.org/carersrightsday

2. Carers UK is the leading campaigning, policy and information organisation of and for carers. Carers UK continues to make a difference to carers' lives by: campaigning for a better deal for carers; informing carers of their rights and what help is available; training and advising professionals who work with carers; working across the UK through its membership and networks of branches and affiliates. For more information, visit www.carersuk.org or for advice on your caring situation call CarersLine on T. 0808 808 7777.

3.

Numbers of carers Numbers of people new to caring

By area every year

SOUTH EAST 737751 272968

Hampshire 113835 42119

Eastleigh 10759 3981

Test Valley 10327 3821

Southampton 18155 6717