NEWS RELEASE
I issued the following press release on 26.05.2006
LYNNE JONES MP JOINS CELEBRITIES TO BACK CARERS WEEK 2006
For immediate release
26 May 2006 Lynne Jones, MP for Birmingham Selly
Oak is joining forces with top celebrities, including Fiona Phillips, Gloria Hunniford,
Sally Lindsay (Shelley in Coronation Street), Lacey Turner (Stacey in Eastenders) and
David Jason to lend her support to the 12th annual Carers Week (12-18 June).
Carers Week seeks to raise awareness of the 6
million carers in the UK today – people who look after a sick, frail or disabled
friend or loved one. The 2006 theme is In Sickness and in health and will focus on the
health and emotional well-being of carers.
TV presenter, Gloria Hunniford says: “The role
of carers should never be underestimated. Carers take on responsibility, worry and stress.
They are sometimes so concerned about the welfare of the person they are looking after,
that they completely neglect their own well-being. I hope my support will help raise
awareness of the issues facing carers and encourage more to seek assistance.”
Thousands of events and activities will be taking
place throughout the UK to help highlight the issues that affect carers, and the support
and services that are available and can make such a difference to their lives.
Lynne Jones adds: “One in ten adults is a
carer. Many give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to look
after someone, so it’s crucial they receive all the support they need and deserve.
It is also important that we don’t forget the thousands of young carers who
require appropriate recognition and support for the work they do looking after a parent or
guardian. I urge everyone in my constituency who looks after a friend, relative or
partner to contact their local carers’ group or Social Services to find out about the
help they are entitled to.*”
Carers Week is organised by a partnership of eight
UK-wide charities; Carers UK, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Counsel and Care, Help the
Aged, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for
Carers.
*Birmingham Carers: 0121 686 4060 http://www.birminghamcarers.org.uk/
Birmingham Carers Centre (Birmingham City Council): 0121 303
4044
ENDS
