MP backs campaign for carers' rights

12:20pm Thursday 4th December 2008

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THE MP for Stretford and Urmston added her support to a campaign by an organisation promoting carers’ rights.

There are more than six million unpaid carers in the UK who provide care support to family, friends and neighbours, saving the country an estimated £87 billion each year.

The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers’ rights and the support that they may be able to get such as the Carer’s Allowance, meals on wheels or council tax discount.

Bev Hughes said: "It’s a real concern that carers in Stretford and Urmston may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would not be able to cope. It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need and do not live in poverty, risking their own health and future prospects.”

Carers UK urged carers to get in touch with its helpline on 0808 808 7777 or by visiting www.carersuk.org)