“CARERS CAN’T AFFORD TO BE ILL”

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander today visited volunteers at the Crossroads Caring for Carers charity shop in Inverness’s Victorian Market to mark Carers Week.

The theme of the annual event – now in its 14^{th year – tackles the issue of carers’ health with a hard-hitting campaign headlining the sobering fact that ‘Carers can’t afford to be ill’. Mr Alexander also took the opportunity to renew his call for all carers who were hit by the recent doubling of the 10p starting rate of income tax to be fully compensated.}

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 (for many, up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). The full results of the survey – which were released this week – also highlight that many carers frequently neglect their health, and often have no-one to talk to about their concerns or daily difficulties.

Supported by MPs, celebrities, local stakeholders and thousands of carers across the UK, Carers Week 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.

Danny Alexander said:

"There are six million carers in the UK, and I am pleased to help highlight the work they do, the sacrifices that they make and the support that should be available to them.

"It is important that we do not forget the difficult circumstances which many cope with – working unpaid and often surviving on low, fixed incomes. With the increases there have been in the cost of energy and food, it was particularly unfortunate that recipients of Carers Allowance were among those hit by the recent 10p tax fiasco. I will keep campaigning for all carers to be fully compensated.

"In the meantime, I hope that Carers Week will mean that many more of my constituents who spend their lives looking after others know they are not alone and that there are people who want to care about them, too. I know that the work that Crossroads does in the Highlands – supported by the superb efforts of its volunteers – makes a massive difference."

Mr Alexander has also signed a motion before Parliament which publicises the fact that large numbers of carers are not known to statutory agencies, and their health needs are often overlooked.

A host of well-known faces have lent their support to Carers Week, including Paul O’Grady, Tony Robinson, Pam Ferris and media health experts, Dr Miriam Stoppard and Dr Chris Steele.