Carers Week Support

John Cryer MP has been having a unique meeting with unpaid carers at the House of Commons to better understand the challenges they face. The speed-networking event has been designed to increase the understanding of the lives of carers in Leyton and Wanstead.

John had just minutes to discuss the differing experiences of a number of unpaid carers and to ask them about what their lives are truly like. The discussion included ways in which carers lives could be improved, through better support, recognition, and advice.

The Westminster event was held as part of Carers Week 2011. New research for the awareness week shows that more than 75% of
unpaid carers are worse off financially since taking on their caring
responsibilities and three quarters have suffered with health issues as a result of caring.

The theme for Carers Week 2011 is ‘The True Face of Carers'. It calls for greater recognition for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities. The work they carry out is vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.

"This has been a real opportunity to hear first-hand about the lives of the carers who give so much to their families and to us, their local community.

"As an MP, I aim to influence and to try bring about real change for carers in Leyton and Wanstead and will be raising their concerns in Westminster. I want to give carers back their lives, their health and happiness so they can carry on doing what they do best: caring."

"We were delighted to welcome John Cryer MP to this event, and thank him for his support for those in a caring role. The difficulties and challenges that carers often face need to be understood by everyone in Parliament. The enthusiasm and commitment of so many MPs is heartening - they can make the difference and be responsible for policies that can change the lives of carers and those they look after."

Carers Week is a partnership of 9 national charities: Age UK, Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson's UK and The Princess Royal Trust for
Carers.