Carers deserve extra support says MP Hood

Jun 19 2008 by Lesley Brown

MP JIM Hood has teamed up with charity ambassador and actress Pam Ferris to highlight the plight of carers in Lanark and Hamilton East.

This week marks the 14th national Carers Week, which this year plans to tackle the issue of carers’ health.

Jim Hood said: “There are six million carers in the UK, including many in Lanark and Hamilton East, and I’m pleased to be able to offer my support to them.”

A national survey of 2000 carers revealed that a large proportion feel their health is worse as a result of the strain of caring. As many carers are often ‘on duty’ 24 hours a day, their own healthcare needs are often overlooked.

MP Hood said: “It’s vital we get the message out to our wonderful carers that help and support is available.”

Pam Ferris, best known for her roles as Ma Larkin in ‘The Darling Buds of May’, and Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films, said: “I have personal experience of caring for loved ones and know how draining it can be, and how important it is to have support from friends, family and healthcare professionals.“

National Carers Week aims to inform carers of the practical help and advice available to those feeling isolated, exhausted or ill as a result of their caring responsibilities.

The Lanark and Hamilton East MP said: “I hope that by drawing attention to Carers Week with Pam, many more of my constituents who spend their lives looking after others will realise they are not alone and that there are people who want to care about them too.”