19/12/06
BOURNEMOUTH WEST MP HIGHLIGHTS VAST TURNOVER OF CARERS
Bournemouth West M.P., John Butterfill has highlighted new research by leading charity Carers UK which shows that a staggering 5717 people face new caring responsibilities in the Bournemouth Borough Council area each year.  A similar number cease caring every year.

The research has been released to mark Carers Rights Day on the 8th December, a national day of action organised by Carers U.K. 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% did not recognise themselves as carers in the first year of caring.  For a third (32%) recognition took over five years.  As a consequence, one in three (33%) believed they had missed out on benefits and pension entitlements, the major (58%) for over three years.

John said ‘If carers do not get the financial and practical support they need, they will 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 the Carers Helpline which is able to offer advice on any caring situation on 0808 808 7777,

 

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