Local MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, is backing this year's Carers Week (8-14 June) in support of carers in the East End and across Glasgow.  There are over six million people in the UK who provide unpaid care for a loved one who is ill, frail or disabled.

John Mason's support comes as new research reveals that almost three-quarters (74%) of carers have reached breaking point due to the pressures of their role. The results show that the strain of caring is causing some carers such extreme levels of stress and depression that they are suffering breakdowns and, in some cases, even attempting suicide.

The Carers Week survey has also highlighted that that the vast majority of carers feel their role is overlooked or ignored by professionals (87%), friends (78%) and family members (76%). Almost two-thirds (63%) say that their lives are made 'much more difficult' as a result, with more than half saying that it has affected their health and left them worse off financially.

John has joined the call for carers to receive more recognition. John says: "There are hundreds of people across the communities of the East End who sacrifice 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.


"I am taking part in Carers Week to express my 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.

"Carers face physical and mental challenges every day and should be more visibly supported and appreciated for the generous and loving hard work that they do."

Carers can find out more about Carers Week, by visiting www.carersweek.org or calling 0845 241 2582.

Notes:

1.    1,941 carers took part in the survey, both online and by post, which was carried out by Carers Week between 22 January - 25 March 2009. For more information about the survey results contact Sushila Snell, Carers Week Media Officer, 020 7378 4958 or 07900 605770, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2.    Carers needing support and advice can find out about local organisations and learn what is happening in their area during Carers Week by visiting www.carersweek.org   or calling 0845 241 2582.

3.    Carers Week 2009 takes place from 8-14 June, and highlights the vital work carried out by those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

4.    Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 10 UK charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson's Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.