MP praises local carers

His comments came in the middle of national Carers Week, which ran from June 8-14. The annual initiative campaigns for greater recognition and support for carers, and aims to inform those who are unaware of the services they are entitled to.

Greg's comments respond to new surveys carried out for Carers Week 2009. The research highlighted the numbers of carers who have been pushed to depression or extreme stress as a result of their role.

From a sample of around 2000 carers, almost three-quarters (74%) feel that they have reached breaking point, with the same number believing their role is unrecognised by family members and friends.

Almost two-thirds (63%) say that their lives are made 'much more difficult' as a result of caring, with more than half saying that it has affected their health and left them worse off financially.

Greg said: "There are thousands of local people who give 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.

"Carers Week is a great way to express our 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."

For more information on Carers Week or caring in general, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.