Emma recently met with campaigners from carers’ organisations in the House of Commons to pledge her support for Carers Week Quest, a national awareness drive that will take place during Carers Week 2014 (June 9 – 15).
One in eight adults in the UK are carers, but the time and effort of caring for a loved one often means that they are unable to access the support they need, and many are not aware that they are entitled to support at all. Without this support, caring can have a serious impact on their physical and emotional health, as well as their finances.
Carers Week Quest will call on people across the UK – from healthcare professionals and employers to friends and neighbours – to reach out and connect with carers in their community.
Supporter charities include Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society and Parkinson’s UK.
Emma said: “Carers are often silent heroes, many of whom don’t even realise the huge contribution they are making to society, especially in Shields where we have a relatively large number of elderly people and people with long-term conditions.
“Carers’ selflessness contributes to an estimated £119 billion worth of care nationally and they deserve our support. That is why I am supporting Carers Week Quest, and will encourage others to reach out to carers across Shields to make them aware of the support they are entitled to.”
A spokesperson for Carers Week said: “By individuals and organisations working together during Carers Week we have a huge opportunity to help thousands of carers and get them support which can mean the difference between coping and crisis.”
Earlier this year Emma was a member of the parliamentary committee which discussed the Care Bill. The Bill strengthens carers’ right to be assessed for financial and other support services. The Bil also improves support for young carers.