Tribute to carers on Carers Rights Day

5 December 2008
 

Rhoda Grant MSP paid tribute to carers in the Highlands on Carers Rights Day (Friday 5th December) which seeks to raise awareness of the support available to those looking after others.

The last Census put the number of carers in the Highlands aged 18 and over at over 17,500 and at almost 6,500 in Moray. In addition, there are many more carers who are under the age of 18.

Mrs Grant commented:

"These people provide care support for family, friends and neighbours, and in doing so they save both local and national government a considerable amount of money every week.

"Given the sacrifices that carers make in their own lives to help another it is important that on Carers' Rights Day we raise awareness of the help they should be receiving.

"This includes encouraging a greater uplift of benefits, practical support and information.

"When carers do not receive the support that they need then they themselves may suffer, with their health and well being affected."

On the issue of young carers Mrs Grant said:

"Many young carers go uncounted and unsupported because they and their families are unaware that there is support available to them.

"They tend to keep hidden for fear that their families will be broken up. We need to target and support these young people and their families.

"We can help all carers by ensuring that they receive the benefits that they are entitled to and to seek help from organisations which can help - caring can come with large financial, physical and emotional burdens."