Labour MP for Wentworth

MP SUPPORTING ROTHERHAM’S 32,000 CARERS

../files/John Healey and Pam Ferris marking Carers Week 2008.jpg John Healey and Pam Ferris mark Carers Week 2008 


Wentworth MP John Healey has again shown his support for Rotherham’s 32,000 carers.

They are among six million carers in the UK who tirelessly devote their time, efforts and energy to looking after a loved one.

June 9 to 15 2008 was Carers Week and up and down the country people paid tribute to the huge contribution carers make to those they look after and their communities.

Mr Healey said: “I’m pleased to be able to offer my support to our wonderful carers. It’s vital we get the message out to them that help and support is available.

“I hope that by helping draw attention to Carers Week many more of my constituents who spend their lives looking after others will realise they are not alone and that there are people who want to care about them, too.”

Mr Healey has been displaying posters in the window in his constituency office in High Street, Wath, where carers can also find leaflets offering advice on managing their finances and looking after their health.

Jeanette Mallinder, of the Carers’ Forum, based at the RAIN Building in Rotherham, said: “Thank you John from the carers in Rotherham for your understanding of our issues and ongoing support.

 “There are 32,000 carers in Rotherham who require support and information and without the understanding of the needs of carers services would not be commissioned. John has listened and acted on the information we have given him.

“Carers receive little recognition for the vital role they play in society. They save the Government £87 billion every year. The theme for National Carers’ Week this year is ‘Can I afford to be ill?’ I hope I can give you the answer – no.

“I hope John will continue to work with Carers’ Forum and all agencies to care for the carers.”

TV and film actress Pam Ferris, best known for her roles as Ma Larkin in the Darling Buds of May and Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films, is one of the celebrities helping to raise awareness of Carers’ Week.

She said: “I have personal experience of caring for loved ones and know how draining it can be, and how important it is to have support from friends, family and healthcare professionals. But if you can take some time to also look after yourself, caring can be an immensely fulfilling and rewarding experience.”