Chris Huhne
Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh
Local MP demands better support for carers in Eastleigh
Local MP, Chris Huhne, has teamed up with renowned actor, Sir David Jason OBE, to support this year’s Caeres Week (14-20 June) and celebrate the contribution made by those people in Eastleigh and throughout the UK who provide unpaid car for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.
The theme for Carers Week 2010 is ‘A life of my own’ and calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work they carry out, so vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.
Chris Huhne and Sir David Jason have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. Chris Huhne said:
“Carers in Eastleigh and throughout the UK deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make to their loved ones, to our local community and to society at large.
“The Coalition Government have already outlined plans to make the system fairer to carers, with plans to use direct payments and community programmes to provide better access to respite care for their loved ones.
“I am supporting Carers Week and want to express my respect and gratitude to all our carers and to ensure that those who feel isolated or lonely because of caring learn about the services and support out there to help them.”
Sir David Jason, who has personal experience of being a carer, said:
“A lot of people, including myself, have had to look after someone at a time of illness or infirmity. However, the people who really deserve our support and encouragement are those carers, young and old, who are in this situation day in day out, caring for someone who truly depends on them. With little respite, this must surely be a very demanding lifestyle and I acknowledge the sacrifices they make and the limitations which are placed upon them. Thanks goodness they care.”
Notes to Eds:
1. Other Celebrities supporting Carers Week, all of whom have experience of caring, include Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Gloria Hunniford, Claire King, Phyllida Law, Miriam Margoyles, Esther Rantzen, Angela Rippon, Tony Robinson, John Stapleton and Chris Steele.