Stunell Supports Carers Week Call for Health Checks

3.04.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th Jun 2006

This week Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell took part in the launch of a new campaign 'Carers want health checks!' which has been unveiled as part of this year's Carers Week (12-18 June).

The campaign was triggered by a national survey of people who care for family members, which reveals that more than three quarters of carers say that their health has been affected by caring, with stress and depression being amongst the most common complaints.

Commenting on the campaign, Andrew Stunell MP said:

"Almost one in eight people in Stockport provide unpaid help and support to a relative or friend who is either frail, sick or disabled. Carers are the unsung heros of every community. Without their work our society would simply unravel.

"I do hope that "Carers Week" really helps to focus attention on how much they contribute, and on how we can all offer them support. It is important that we recognise their health needs. Offering regular health checks is one way we can do this.

"It is shocking that so many carers say their health has been affected by caring. 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.

"This is a campaign to get the NHS to introduce regular health checks within 12 months of someone becoming a carer, and regularly thereafter." ENDS

Notes to editors: For more details, please see http://www.carersweek.org/index.asp