Hull MP highlights the plight of millions of UK carers

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has joined charity ambassador and television and film actress Pam Ferris to show support for the annual Carers Week.

Diana Johnson MP met up with Pam, best known for her role as Ma Larkin from TV's The Darling Buds of May, and more recently Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films, to help launch Carers Week (9-15 June 2008) and pay tribute to the huge contribution that carers make, every day of the year, to those they look after and to their communities.

Carers in Hull are amongst the six million people in the UK who devote their time, efforts and energy to looking after a loved one. Carers 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 that 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 released today (9 June) 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.

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.

Diana Johnson MP said: "There are six million carers in the UK, including many in Hull. From my own experience, I appreciate and admire the massive job that carers do for families and for our country.

"The difficult plight of many carers is a nationwide issue that affects many people locally. It is vital to let our wonderful army of carers know that they are valued and that help and support is available. For example, our Carers Centre in Hull is a fantastic local organisation.

"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 that they are not alone and that there are people who want to care about them too."

Pam Ferris added: "I'm very happy to be involved in Carers Week and to help raise awareness of the many issues that affect carers across the UK, often adding further difficulties and anxiety to their lives.

"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. But if you can take some time to also look after yourself, caring can be an immensely fulfilling and rewarding experience."

A host of other well-known faces are supporting Carers Week, including Paul O'Grady, Tony Robinson and media health experts, Dr Miriam Stoppard and Dr Chris Steele.