MP supports campaign to 'Give Carers a Break'

Despite the Government's announcement in November 2010 that £400m would be made available to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to pay for breaks for adult and young carers, the country's six million carers fear that they will not get the breaks they desperately need if PCTs are not held to account.

Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine is supporting a new campaign, "Give Carers a Break", which was launched at an event held on Monday 23rd May in the House of Commons by two of the country's leading carers' charities, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care.

The two charities are calling upon Primary Care Trusts, who have not yet revised their plans for supporting carers in the light of the funding allocation, to work in partnership with local carers' organisations to use the money within their allocations to support carers through breaks and other forms of help.

Carers and carers' organisations throughout the country are being asked to highlight the local issues and work positively with PCTs and local authorities to achieve the best outcome for carers and MPs are being asked to support the campaign in their areas.

Steve said: "There are numerous carers across my constituency and I fully support The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads in this campaign. Carers make a significant contribution to our society and it is in everyone's interest that they are supported in order to continue to care safely and in good health. Breaks from their caring role can be a huge help in helping them to carry on."

Pictured; Steve joined ITV's Dr Chris Steele ast last year's Carers' Week launch

More information...

For further information visit http://www.crossroads.org.uk and www.carers.org/givecarersabreak