Liberal Democrats in Guildford back Carers' Week

3.21.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Jun 2008

Sue Doughty and the Guildford Liberal Democrats have given their backing to Carers' Week, which is all about showing support for the hundreds of local residents who care for dependent relatives and friends.

Carers Week is a partnership of 10 UK-wide charities (Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Neurological Alliance, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and WRVS) to promote the unpaid work done by the six million people in the UK who support and care for others.

Carers Week starts today, 9th June, and runs until 15th June.

"I decided to back Carers' Week as I have seen how hard many people work to support relatives and friends with illnesses or conditions which make them dependent on others," said Sue Doughty, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Guildford.

"One in six people cares in some way for another person. That is a huge army of people who, by their efforts, help others to live as normal a life as possible at home, rather than being dependent on health services and other groups for support.

"Many carers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and too often, the contribution they make is not recognised by society generally. I am supporting Carers' Week and I hope that during this week the work carers do is highlighted and that awareness is raised amongst the general public of their importance.