Michael Fabricant is backing this year’s Carers Week (8-14 June) in
support of Britain’s six million carers who provide unpaid care for a
loved one who is ill, frail or disabled.

Michael says: "New research reveals that almost three-quarters (74%) of
carers have reached breaking point due to the pressures of their role.
The results show that the strain of caring is causing some carers such
extreme levels of stress and depression that they are suffering
breakdowns and, in some cases, even attempting suicide.

"The Carers Week survey has also highlighted that that the vast majority
of carers feel their role is overlooked or ignored by professionals
(87%), friends (78%) and family members (76%). Almost two-thirds (63%)
say that their lives are made ‘much more difficult’ as a result, with
more than half saying that it has affected their health and left them
worse off financially.

"There are thousands of people in my Lichfield constituency who
sacrifice their time – and often their health, finances, work and social
life – in order to care for a loved one. They deserve to be recognised
for the priceless contribution they make, both to our local community
and to society at large.

"I am taking part in Carers Week to express my gratitude and respect for
our carers, and also to make them aware that there are services and
support available to help them. Caring can be demanding and difficult,
so it’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on
alone."

Also supporting this year’s Carers Week is Sir Geoff Hurst, England
footballer and World Cup hero. Sir Geoff, who has cared for his wife,
says:

"Those who care for family and friends mostly do so under the radar,
without pay or acknowledgement, and deserve to be recognised for their
dedication to the people they care for, not just during Carers Week but
for all the weeks of the year.

"Carers face physical and mental challenges every day and should be more
visibly supported and appreciated for the generous and loving hard work
that they do."

Carers can find out more about local events and activities taking place
as part of Carers Week, by visiting www.carersweek.org or calling 0845
241 2582.

1,941 carers took part in the survey, both online and by post, which was
carried out by Carers Week between 22 January – 25 March 2009. Carers
Week is organised by a partnership of 10 UK charities: Carers UK,
Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices,
Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s Disease Society, The
Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.