Caring for the carers

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Campaign calls for health checks for carers

Ann Keen MP has applauded 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).

One in ten adults in her constituency provide unpaid help and support to a relative or friend who is either frail, sick or disabled. Many took part in a major national survey of over 5,600 carers, which reveals that more than three quarters (79%) of carers say that their health has been affected by caring, with stress and depression being amongst the most common complaints. Almost as many (71%) say that health problems affect their ability to care. Only one in four carers (27%) has been offered a health check by their GP, but the survey revealed that nine out of 10 believe that all carers should be offered a health check.

Acting on the results of this study – the largest ever in the UK - the eight national charities* that make up the Carers Week partnership are calling on the NHS to introduce regular health checks within 12 months of someone becoming a carer, and regularly thereafter.

Ann Keen said ”I am pleased to have this opportunity to show my support for carers and Carers Week. There are many people in our local community that give their time selflessly to care for others, and 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.”
Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager, says “We are delighted that Ann is supporting the ‘Carers want health checks campaign.”

Also during Carers Week 2006, Hounslow Council and its partners will be stressing the importance of carers’ health and emotional wellbeing at a series of events across the borough.

Carers look after family, partners or friends in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The care they provide is free, and this is a contribution that saves the National Health Service an estimated £57 billion pounds each year. The 2001 census indicated there were 18,921 carers in the London Borough of Hounslow. Of those, 3,583 spent 50 hours or more caring each week.

The main event for Carers Week 2006 takes place on June 16 at Montague Hall in Hounslow between 11am and 4pm. People can find out about a whole raft of services, benefits and facilities available to carers, including carers’ assessments, carers’ rights, the carers’ register, carers’ vouchers, direct payments, welfare benefits, pensions, jobcentre plus assistance and Council Tax discounts.

Cllr Pamela Fisher, Executive Member for Adult Social Services and Health, said “Carers are invaluable. Their contribution is integral to the success of community care and therefore their own health and emotional wellbeing is paramount. During Carers Week, we hope people take this opportunity to seek out information about the whole range of assistance, services and benefits available to them.”

There will also be information stands where people can find out about services that are provided to carers by Hounslow Council and its health partners, enrol on the carers’ register, ask for a carers’ assessment and find out why it is important to tell your doctor you are a carer.

June 14, 2006