Conservative MP, Philip Dunne, has teamed up with charity ambassador and TV & Film actress, Pam Ferris, to show his support for carers in Ludlow who are amongst the six million people in the UK who tirelessly devote their time, efforts and energy to looking after a loved one.
Philip Dunne MP and Pam, best known for her roles as Ma Larkin from the TV series “The Darling Buds of May” and more recently Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films, are supporting Carers Week and paying tribute to the huge contribution that carers make, every day of the year, to those they look after, and to their communities.
The week – now in its 14th year – tackles the issue of carers’ heath 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 (For many, up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). The full results of the survey – to be released across the UK at the start of Carers Week (9 June) – 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 (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.
Philip Dunne said: “There are six million carers in the UK, including many in the Ludlow Constituency and I’m pleased to be able to offer my support to them. It’s a nationwide issue that affects so many people at a local level 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.”
Philip Dunne MP has also signed up to a parliamentary motion (EDM 1369) which publicises the fact that large numbers of carers are not know to statutory agencies, and their health needs are often overlooked.
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.
Filed under: MPs | Tagged: Philip Dunne
