NEWS RELEASE

I issued the following press release on 26.05.2006

LYNNE JONES MP JOINS CELEBRITIES TO BACK CARERS WEEK 2006

For immediate release    

26 May 2006 Lynne Jones, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak is joining forces with top celebrities, including Fiona Phillips, Gloria Hunniford, Sally Lindsay (Shelley in Coronation Street), Lacey Turner (Stacey in Eastenders) and David Jason to lend her support to the 12th annual Carers Week (12-18 June).

Carers Week seeks to raise awareness of the 6 million carers in the UK today – people who look after a sick, frail or disabled friend or loved one. The 2006 theme is In Sickness and in health and will focus on the health and emotional well-being of carers.

TV presenter, Gloria Hunniford says: “The role of carers should never be underestimated. Carers take on responsibility, worry and stress. They are sometimes so concerned about the welfare of the person they are looking after, that they completely neglect their own well-being. I hope my support will help raise awareness of the issues facing carers and encourage more to seek assistance.”

Thousands of events and activities will be taking place throughout the UK to help highlight the issues that affect carers, and the support and services that are available and can make such a difference to their lives.

Lynne Jones adds: “One in ten adults is a carer. Many give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to look after someone, so it’s crucial they receive all the support they need and deserve.   It is also important that we don’t forget the thousands of young carers who require appropriate recognition and support for the work they do looking after a parent or guardian.  I urge everyone in my constituency who looks after a friend, relative or partner to contact their local carers’ group or Social Services to find out about the help they are entitled to.*”

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of eight UK-wide charities; Carers UK, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Counsel and Care, Help the Aged, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

*Birmingham Carers: 0121 686 4060 http://www.birminghamcarers.org.uk/

Birmingham Carers Centre (Birmingham City Council): 0121 303 4044

ENDS