KEETCH BACKS CARERS WEEK 2005

5.51.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 10th Jun 2005

Hereford's MP, Paul Keetch, is joining celebrities including Graham Norton, David Jason, Esther Rantzen and Laurence Llewelyn Bowen to lend his support to this years Carers Week [June 13 - 19].

Carers Week is an annual event that raises awareness of carers - people who look after a sick or disabled friend, partner or relative - and issues that affect them. During this year's Carers Week thousands of events will be taking place up and down the country to give carers a break and to highlight the support available to them.

There are an estimated 6 million carers in Britain today, many of whom don't recognise themselves as carers and aren't aware of the support and services available to them.

"Carers make an invaluable contribution to society," says Mr Keetch.

"It is vital that they receive the support need to continue caring while leading fulfilling lives of their own. There is help and support available for carers so I would urge anyone in Hereford who looks after a friend, relative or partner to contact their local carers group as soon as possible."

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager, says, "We are delighted that Mr Keetch is supporting Carers Week 2005. If it helps even one carer get access to the support they need, it will have been worthwhile."

2005 is the eleventh annual Carers Week. It is jointly organised by seven UK-wide charities: Carers UK, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Aged, Macmillan Cancer Relief, MS Society, Rethink and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

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