South Swindon MP Robert Buckland recently attended a Carers Week speednetworking event with carers and charities in Westminster, pledging his support to unpaid carers locally.
The event was in support of the recent Carers Week, to celebrate and recognise the vital contribution made by the 6.5 million people across the UK who currently provide unpaid care for a disabled, ill or older family member or friend. It matched up MPs and carers to share experiences of caring and discuss ways to build Carer Friendly Communities – places where local people and services support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.
Robert Buckland QC MP committed to:
- meeting with carers locally and local services to find out about the challenges faced by carers
- encouraging organisations, services and employers in his constituency to become more Carer Friendly
- raising the profile of caring and speaking up for carers in Parliament
- raising awareness of Carer Friendly Communities in South Swindon
Local MP, Robert Buckland, said:
“I was proud to represent my constituents today at the Carers Week event and I pledge to support the 9675 carers in South Swindon throughout this Parliament. Unpaid carers make a huge contribution to our society, providing vital and often hidden support to friends and family members, and it is right that we value them and ensure they have the right support at the right time. I was very happy to attend the annual “Walk a Mile in a Carer’s Shoes” organized by the Swindon Carers Centre, an organization I have been proud to work closely alongside in recent years. I look forward to further working with the Carers Week charities, and, with unpaid carers, locally, to make a difference to their lives.”
Carers Week 2017 is made possible by Carers UK joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, MS Society and Which? Elderly Care and kindly supported by Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition and the Lockwood Foundation.
For further information visit www.carersweek.org