AM makes carers week call

LABOUR AM KEN SKATES today paid tribute to carers across North East Wales who look after an ill, frail or disabled loved one.

This week is Carers Week which aims to highlight the vital contribution made by carers to their families and their communities.

The theme for the week is ‘In Sickness and in Health’ which focuses on the need for greater support for unpaid carers to help them continue in their caring role without facing ill health, stress or financial worry.

Research done by charities for Carers Week, show two in five unpaid carers put off medical treatment because of the demands of their role.

LABOUR’S KEN SKATES said:

“Caring for a loved one can be mentally and physically exhausting and place a burden financially and on family relationships.

“Carers provide a vital role in our communities and it’s imperative we recognise their contribution and encourage employers, organisations and staff to support them as much as possible.

“We need to support carers and all the work they do. Research has shown that often carers sacrifice their own health to look after a loved one with two in five carers putting off medical treatment because of the demand of their role.

“We need a more sustainable social care sector and the Welsh Government is currently looking at major reforms in this area. It’s wrong that carers sometimes don’t get the support they need especially as they contribute so much to our communities.”

Carers Week is run by a group of eight charities including Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society and Parkinson’s UK.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of eight national charities: Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society and Parkinson’s UK.

For more information about the events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org.

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Editor’s Notes

• The Carers Week survey shows that 83% of carers suffered physical health problems associated with caring for an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend, with 36% sustaining an injury such as back pain. A total of 87% said caring had been detrimental to their mental health.

* Ken Skates has signed up to the below Statement of Opinion that was raised by Labour’s Mid and West Wales Assembly Member Rebecca Evans.

• This Assembly expresses its respect for the thousands of people in Wales who provide unpaid help, care and support to a relative or friend who, because of frailty, illness or disability, would not otherwise be able to manage;

• Notes that Carers Week, a partnership of national charities, takes place this year from 18th to 24th June; and

• Calls upon the Welsh Government to continue to support carers and ensure that they are signposted to support services, offered respite and get the advice and information they need to look after themselves and the people they care for.