LIZ CALLS FOR GREATER AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING FOR CARERS

5.52.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 8th Jun 2007

Liz (centre left) with Cllr Ann Blacklock (far right), Nigel Howard (centre right), Chief Executive of South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service and senior staff

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne has ushered in Carer's Week 2007 by calling for greater public awareness for all those who care for family or friends who are affected by a long-term illness, condition or disability.

Liz who is Co-Chair of MEPs Against Cancer, Co-Chair of the European Parliament's All-Party Intergroup on Ageing and Vice-President of the All-Party Disability Intergroup, today visited South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service, an organisation offering a helpline, advice surgeries and support groups across the local area.

After meeting staff and carers, Liz said:

"Carer's Week highlights for everyone the difficulties faced by carers, raising awareness and offering extra support. It is right that we should recognise the great work they do."

"As draftsperson for a European Parliament report on social policy in the EU, I will continue to highlight carers' vital role in society."

"Many carers are so consumed by their duties that they end up isolated, in financial difficulty and without healthy career prospects. Local organisations like South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service offer a crucial lifeline to all those concerned."

Carers' Week 2007 is organised by seven major partners nationwide including Carers UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Many smaller organisations are participating in events locally.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service, Tel: 01926 485486, www.swcss.org.uk