John Battle MP Joins Celebrities To Support Carers Week 2004

John Battle, Labour MP for Leeds West, is joining celebrities including Cilla Black, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Sheila Hancock to support this year’s Carers Week (June 14-20).

Carers Week is an annual event that supports the UK’s six million carers – people who look after a sick or disabled friend, partner or relative. Many carers are not aware of the services available to them, and the thousands of events taking place help to highlight the support that exists.

"Having helped to care for my husband Bobby - who sadly died of cancer in 1999 - I am very aware of how difficult, yet rewarding, looking after someone can be,” says Cilla Black.

"Up and down the country there are people caring for a partner, relative or friend, yet unaware of the support and services available to them. Carers deserve our utmost respect and admiration, and I'm delighted to support Carers Week 2004."

The theme for Carers Week 2004 is health; two-thirds of carers who provide care for more than 50 hours per week say their health has been affected by caring.

John Battle MP said:

“Carers make an invaluable contribution to our community and deserve our full support. None of us know when we may need looking after ourselves as a result of illness or injury. It can happen to anyone.

“There is help and support available for people who have caring responsibilities. I would urge everyone in Leeds who looks after someone to contact their local carers group as soon as possible.”

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager, says: ”We are very grateful to John Battle MP for supporting the tenth annual Carers Week. If it helps even one individual to access vital support, it will have been worthwhile.”

©John Battle MP 4th June 2004

Related Articles

Internet Links