"Carers Can't Afford To Be Ill" - Norman Lamb MP Backs Initiative to Highlight The Plight of Millions of UK Carers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Jun 2008

Norman Lamb MP has teamed up with charity ambassador and TV & Film actress, Pam Ferris, to show his support for carers in North Norfolk who are amongst the six million people in the UK who tirelessly devote their time, efforts and energy to looking after a loved one.

Norman Lamb MP says: "There are six million carers in the UK, including many in Norfolk and I'm pleased to be able to offer my support to them. It's a nationwide issue that affects so many people in Norfolk and it's vital we can get the message out to our wonderful carers that help and support is available."

"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."

Norman Lamb has also signed up to a Parliamentary motion (EDM 1369) which publicises the fact that large numbers of carers are not known to statutory agencies, and their health needs are often overlooked.

Supported by MP's celebrities, local stakeholders and thousands of carers across the UK, Carers Week (9-15 June) aims to publicise that support, advice and practical help is available for those who may be feeling isolated, exhausted or ill as a result of their caring responsibilities. The week now in its 14th year - tackles the issue of carers' health with a hard hitting campaign headlining the sobering fact that: "Carers can't afford to be ill."

A national survey of 2,000 carers reveals that a large majority feel their health is worse as a result of the strain of caring. The full results of the survey - to be released across the UK at the start of Carers Week - also highlights that many carers frequently neglect their health, and often have no-one to talk to about their concerns or daily difficulties.