Barbara is calling on the Government to do more to support and recognise the vital contribution of unpaid family carers.

To mark Carers Week 2017 Barbara attended an event in Parliament to celebrate the contribution made by nearly 11,000 carers across Worsley and Eccles South who currently provide unpaid care for a disabled, ill or older family member or friend.

During the event Barbara spoke to a carer, Olga Budimir, and to Kate Hall from Nutricia about the difficulties of balancing work and caring and about the need for carers’ leave. Barbara pledged to keep up the pressure on the Government to provide the help and support that many carers urgently need.

Barbara said:

“Carers Week is a good way to raise awareness of the challenges that unpaid carers face every day. Many unpaid family carers are finding that they have to fight to get the support they need for the person they care for, and for themselves. They should not have to battle for this help.

“The Conservative Government’s repeated failure to recognise the vital contribution of our unpaid carers is unacceptable. Many carers do not know where to turn for the help they need. Many are facing financial hardship and are living in poverty due to a lack of financial support. They should not have to do this. They should be supported in their caring role.”

“Three out of five people will be carers at some point in their lives. It is vital that the Government acts now to provide the help and support that our unpaid carers need and deserve.”