Bruce Backs Carer's Week 2006

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 12th Jun 2006

Gordon MP, Malcolm Bruce is supporting the 12th annual Carers Week (12-18 June). Carers Week seeks to raise awareness of the 6 million carers in the UK today - people who look after a sick, frail or disabled friend or loved one. The 2006 theme is In Sickness and in Health and will focus on the health and emotional well-being of carers.

Thousands of events and activities will be taking place throughout Scotland and the UK to help highlight the issues that affect carers, and the support and services that are available and can make such a difference to their lives.

Mr Bruce said:

"I am very happy to support Carers' Week 2006. The role carers' play should never be underestimated. One in eight people in Scotland are carers and in the Gordon area alone there are over 5,500 people who provide care for over 20 hours a week. Many give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to look after someone, so it's crucial they receive all the support they need and deserve.

"This year's message 'In Sickness and in Health is particularly important and I urge carers not to neglect themselves, but instead ensure they use the services available to them and look after their own health, as well as the person they care for."

"I'm asking everyone in Gordon who looks after a friend, relative or partner to contact their local carers' group or Social Services to find out about the help they are entitled to. The nearest Crossroads offices in Aberdeen and Stonehaven do a lot of very good work and the support and information they provide about services available for carers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are of enormous benefit to many people."

ENDS

Notes:

• Carers UK operated a free helpline - 0808 808 7777 available Wednesdays and Thursdays (10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm).

• Crossroads Aberdeen can be contacted on 01224 641984. Crossroads (Kincardine & Deeside) can be contacted on 01569 762624