MP BACKS CAMPAIGN ON CARER’S RIGHTS

David Amess MP today added his support to a national campaign on Friday 8th December 2006 to ensure that carers are aware of their rights and entitlements.

In line with this, David will be attending the events being organised by Southend Carers Forum at 29-31 Alexandra Road, Southend on Sea from 10am on Friday morning.

The campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carer’s rights and the support that they might be able to get.

David Amess MP said,

‘It is vital that carer’s claim the benefits to which they are entitles. We know that £740m worth of carer’s benefits go unclaimed each year and this could be providing essential income as well as protecting carer’s pensions in retirement. Carers may also be missing out on practical support and advice.’

There are over 6 million carers in the UK who provide essential support to family, friends and neighbours saving the country £57bn each year. People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled than non-carers and many carers struggle to combine caring with paid work.

David added,

‘It is a real concern that carers in my constituency may not be getting the help they are entitled to. Carers need support they are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and the social care system would not be able to cope. It is vital that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need and do not live in poverty, risking their own health and future prospects.’

Carers can order a free booklet called Looking after someone: a guide to carer’s rights and benefits from Carers UK by visiting www.carersuk.org or calling the free phone hotline on 0808 808777.