West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has reiterated his support for carers across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven as part of Carers Week 2022.
Carers Week (6th-12th June) recognises the vital contribution made by people caring unpaid for family members or friends who have a disability, illness, mental health condition, or who need extra help as they grow older.
Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes MP attended an event at the House of Commons to mark Carers Week and met with carers to hear about and better understand their experiences of caring during the pandemic, pledging to make caring visible, valued and supported.
New research released for Carers Week found that more care is now being provided by unpaid carers than ever before, with the number of people providing substantial care (i.e. over 20 hours of care or more per week) rising by 42% across the UK since October 2020.
The seven charities supporting Carers Week in 2022 – Carers Scotland, Age Scotland, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB, Rethink Mental Illness, and The Lewy Body Society – are seeking better recognition of the crucial contribution carers make to society.
Commenting, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“Having been a carer from early in my life, I am proud to support Carers Week and determined to continue working in parliament and across West Dunbartonshire to improve outcomes for caregivers.
“Unpaid carers have provided crucial support to friends and family members throughout the pandemic, often without any time out for themselves, and it is important that their efforts are recognised, and that they are now given the support they need to care safely and well for their loved ones.
“The Scottish Government is committed to providing carers with additional support, having increased Carer’s Allowance for eligible Scottish carers by around 13% compared to carers in the rest of the UK – and delivering the annual Young Carer Support Grant in Scotland.
“It’s vital that carers in Scotland across the UK receive the help they deserve. We must continue working to ensure caregivers in our communities are valued and supported.”
Visit www.carersweek.org for more information or to pledge your support for making caring visible, valued and supported.
