CARERS CAN'T AFFORD TO BE ILL - GIDLEY

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Jun 2008

Ahead of Carers' Week (9-15 June) local MP, Sandra Gidley has teamed up with charity ambassador and TV & Film actress, Pam Ferris (best known for her roles as Ma Larkin from the TV series "The Darling Buds of May" and more recently Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films), to offer her support to local carers who are amongst the six million people in the UK who tirelessly devote their time, efforts and energy to looking after a loved one.

Commenting today, Sandra said:

"There are six million carers in the UK, including many in Southampton and the Test Valley and I'm pleased to be able to offer my support to them in any way I can. Caring is a nationwide issue that affects so many people at a local level and it's vital we can get the message out to our wonderful carers that help and support is available.

"I hope that by drawing attention to this year's Carers' Week with Pam, many more local carers will realise they are not alone and that there are people who want to care about them, too.

"This year we're going to draw local people's attention to carers' health. The hard-hitting campaign will tell people the sobering fact that carers simply can't afford to be ill - something that has to change. I will certainly do all I can locally, and in parliament, to give all of our local carers the help and support they need.

Sandra has also signed up to a parliamentary motion which publicises the fact that large numbers of carers are not known to statutory agencies, and their health needs are often overlooked.

Pam Ferris added:

"I'm very happy Sandra is involved in Carers' Week. I hope we can raise awareness of the many issues that affect local carers which too often add further difficulties and anxiety to their lives.

"I have personal experience of caring for loved ones and know how draining it can be, and how important it is to have support from friends, family and healthcare professionals. But if you can take some time to also look after yourself, caring can be an immensely fulfilling and rewarding experience."

ENDS