Justin Madders, MP has pledged his support for volunteers carrying out invaluable work during Carers Week

The vital role played by thousands of unpaid carers across the country has been stressed by a local MP.

Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and Shadow Minister (Health and Social Care), pledged his support for the many volunteers carrying out invaluable work during Carers Week which ran from June 7-13.

Mr Madders attended a virtual Carers Week event to meet with carers and hear about their experiences during the pandemic. Carers Week is an annual awareness week which recognises the vital contribution made by people caring unpaid for family members or friends who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or who needs extra help as they grow older.

New research released for Carers Week found 72 per cent of unpaid carers have not had any breaks from caring during the pandemic. Of those who got a break, a third (33 per cent) used the time to complete practical tasks or housework and a quarter (26 per cent) to attend their own medical appointments.

Six charities supporting Carers Week - Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness – are raising awareness of the impact of the pandemic on carers’ physical and mental health, as well as the social isolation they have experienced.

Mr Madders said: “Unpaid carers have been providing crucial support to friends and family members during the Covid-19 pandemic, often without any time out for themselves, and it is important that their efforts are recognised and applauded.

“I am supporting Carers Week 2021 and doing what I can to ensure unpaid carers in my constituency are connected to the support they need and the breaks they deserve.”

On behalf of the Carers Week charities Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “Looking after someone can be a hugely rewarding experience but it often comes with its challenges, including getting the right support.

“Many unpaid carers have sacrificed their physical and mental health during the pandemic and are desperate for a break.  I hope all parts of the community – family and friends, employers, businesses, schools, health and care services – do their bit to make caring visible and show it is valued.”

For further information about the role of carers go to:

www.carersweek.org

Pictured - Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and Shadow Minister (Health and Social Care.