MS Society Chief Executive Tells Britain's Next Prime Minister Gordon Brown Of The Importance Of Supporting UK's Six Million Carers

A partnership of seven charities joined together as part of Carers Week at 11 Downing Street to highlight the lives of carers, including those who care for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), who are often overlooked in society.


Speaking on behalf of the partnership, which has grown to include Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Simon Gillespie said there should be more effective support for carers.


He added: "It is all too easy for carers and their needs to be invisible to wider society. It is right therefore for us to mark the contribution of carers, and to highlight the issues that concern them."


Now in its thirteenth year, Carers Week has this year published a survey of more than 3,500 carers revealing that three quarters felt that since becoming a carer, relationships with family and friends had been adversely affected.


Nearly seven out of ten said that they were financially worse off since becoming a carer, and just over half said that their career had been affected as a direct result of their caring role.


Simon Gillespie added: "It's right that Carers Week recognises and celebrates the role of carers but also highlights the problems of being a carer. Carers are people with their own hopes, aspirations and needs, as well as a desire to do the best for those they care for."


Last night's parliamentary reception comes as Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis MP announced details of a national debate questioning how to improve the future of the nation's carers.


A dedicated website, launched yesterday, is part of a nationwide consultation exercise, which will also involve regional events organised by the Department of Health asking carers for their opinion.


Gordon Brown said the Government needed to do more to listen to and learn from carers.


He said: "I am delighted that this consultation will give every carer the opportunity to be heard, and to shape the vision for caring for the next decade."


National Multiple Sclerosis Society