CARERS WEEK

Early day motion 1355, tabled 27 April 2009 by Anne McGuire (Labour). Signed by 210 members.

That this House expresses its gratitude to and respect for the six million people in the UK who provide unpaid help, care and support to a relative or friend who has an illness or disability; notes that the huge contribution that carers make is often unrecognised by society, communities and sometimes within carers' own families and that as a consequence of this lack of recognition carers go without the support they need; acknowledges that most will provide care at some point in their lives and need to have access to information and services and to be listened to; is concerned that professionals may not always understand the role of a carer, nor offer them appropriate support, which risks damaging carers' own health; further notes that Carers Week, a partnership of 10 national charities, takes place this year from 8 to 14 June, with the theme Carers: the UK's Secret Service; and believes that carers need to have a higher profile across all services and be prioritised alongside other groups at risk of social exclusion at a local and national level.

Signatures by party: Labour 120, Liberal Democrat 48, Conservative 20, DUP 8, Independent 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Scottish National Party 2, Independent Labour 1, UUP 1.