Press Office

More support needed for planned breaks for carers – Archive News
Monday 08 June 2009

National charity Vitalise is calling for greater recognition of the importance of regular respite breaks for the UK’s six million carers.

The call for action comes in the light of the shocking findings of a survey released this week to launch Carers Week (8-14 June).

Vitalise was dismayed to discover that 62% of carers have not had a break for over a year and a third of carers have never had a break since they started caring, according to the survey.

The link between a lack of opportunities to take respite breaks and the danger to the physical and emotional wellbeing of carers is quite clear, says the charity.

The survey found that almost three quarters of carers have reached breaking point due to the pressures of their caring role, leading some to breakdown and even attempted suicide, yet half of all the carers polled said that having a break would or did prevent them from reaching breaking point.

In the light of this Vitalise, one of ten partners of Carers Week 2009, is calling for a greater understanding of the importance of planned respite breaks to carers and those they care for.

Vitalise’s Chief Executive Jonathan Powell said:
“The lack of recognition and reward for the unsung work carers do is frankly shameful. Carers are being driven to the very edge by the stress of caring for a loved one without adequate support.

Carers save the economy £87 billion a year, yet Carer’s Allowance is just £53.10 a week – the lowest benefit of its kind. It’s about time the Government recognised the contribution carers make and gave them the support they need.

This survey proves that regular respite breaks are absolutely vital for carers. We want regular planned breaks to be considered a critical component of every care package, not an afterthought.”

Vitalise’s Centres are holding drop-in days and other events for carers during Carers Week. It is estimated that over 6,000 events and activities will take place across the country during the week to ensure that all carers know that they are not alone, and that help and services are available.

Notes to editors:

• 1,941 carers took part in the Survey, both online and by post, which was carried out by Carers Week between January and March 2009
• A full breakdown of the Survey results (under strict embargo to 8 June) is available on request
• Carers needing support and advice can find out about local organisations and learn what is happening in their area during Carers Week by visiting www.carersweek.org or calling 0845 241 2582
• For more information about Vitalise visit www.vitalise.org.uk. Journalists are requested to include the web address in all reporting

About Carers Week

Carers Week is a partnership of ten national charities campaigning for greater recognition and support for the UK’s six million carers. The ten Carers Week partners are Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.

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