This week (8-14 June) is Carers Week and the MS Society is proud to be a supporting of this annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make throughout the UK.
A few months ago we asked you to share the State of Caring survey to help expose the reality of caring in 2015. Carers UK have now released the report which shows that there is huge local variation in the support received by carers and 65% would characterise one or more of their local services as not being carer-friendly, as it fails to recognise and support them in their caring role.
As a consequence. 61% say this has a negative impact on their health and 65% say this has made it more difficult for them to look after the person they're caring for.
That's why we, and the other charities behind Carers Week, are calling on individuals, organisations and services to build more carer-friendly communities to improve the lives of local carers.
Sue Allison, the MS Society's Programme Lead – Carers, comments:
"The support provided by the UK’s 6.5 million unpaid carers saves the country £119bn a year and this contribution deserves respect and recognition. Carers need to be able to rely on local services and communities for the support they need."
The MS Soiciety is committed to improving the support for families and carers who play a crucial role in the lives of people with MS.
