Carers can't afford to be ill

Daniel is backing an initiative to highlight the plight of millions of UK carers.

He has teamed up with charity ambassador and TV and film actress, Pam Ferris, to show his support for carers in Shrewsbury and Atcham who are among the six million people in the UK who tirelessly devote their time, efforts and energy to looking after a loved one.

Daniel and Pam - best known for her roles as Ma Larkin from the TV series 'The Darling Buds of May'ťand more recently Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films - are supporting Carers Week and paying tribute to the huge contribution that carers make every day of the year to those they look after and to their communities.

The week - now in its 14th year - tackles the issue of carers' health with a hard-hitting campaign headlining the sobering fact that 'carers can't afford to be ill'.

A national survey of 2,000 carers has revealed that a large majority feel their health is worse as a result of the strain of caring (for many, up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). The full results of the survey - to be released across the UK at the start of Carers Week - also highlights that many carers frequently neglect their own health, and often have no one to talk to about their concerns or daily difficulties.

Supported by MPs, celebrities, local stakeholders and thousands of carers across the UK, Carers Week (9 - 15 June 2009) aims to publicise the fact that support, advice and practical help is available for those who may be feeling isolated, exhausted or ill as a result of their caring responsibilities.

Daniel said, "there are six million carers in the UK, including many in Shropshire and I am pleased to be able to offer my support to them. It is a nationwide issue that affects so many people at a local level and it is vital we can get the message out to our wonderful carers that help and support is available.

"I hope that by drawing attention to Carers Week with Pam, many more of my constituents who spend their lives looking after others will realise they are not alone and that there are people who want to care about them, too."

Pam Ferris added, "I am very happy to be involved in Carers Week and to help raise awareness of the many issues that affect carers across the UK, often adding 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."ť

A host of other well-known faces are supporting Carers Week, including Paul O'Grady, Tony Robinson and media health experts, Dr Miriam Stoppard and Dr Chris Steele.

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Carers Week is a partnership of 10 UK-wide charities working together: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Neurological Alliance, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and WRVS.

For more information about Carers Week, please visit www.carersweek.org.

2nd June 2008


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