Mick and Lembit support Carers Rights Day

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 8th Dec 2006

Mick Bates AM and Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire today added their support to a national campaign to make carers aware of their rights. The campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of the support available.

Lembit Öpik said,

"It is vital that carers claim the benefits they are entitled to. We know that £740 million worth of carers' benefits go unclaimed each year - this could be providing vital income. Carers may also be missing out on practical support and advice."

There are over six million carers in the UK who provide essential support to family, friends and neighbours, saving the country £57 billion each year. Many carers struggle to combine caring with paid work.

Mick Bates added,

"There are 14,118 Carers in Powys alone. It's a real concern that carers in Powys may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers need support - they are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would not be able to cope.

"It is vital that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need and do not live in poverty, risking their own health and future prospects."

Ends / Diwedd

Notes:

• Carers Rights Day is 8th December 2006

• These figures were released today by Carers Wales

• Carers can order a free booklet called "Looking after someone: a guide to carers' rights and benefits

from Carers UK by calling their free hotline: 0808 808 7777

• For more information visit: www.carerswales.org