"I have had the privilege of working closely with carers at my local carers' centre, which is one of many outstanding organisations around the country working to support them.

"The experience of shadowing a carer is a humbling one. It shows you the dedication and determination they show to do the best for the person they are looking after. It also shows the challenges and sacrifices they make in taking on that responsibility.

"The new Government is committed to improving support for carers. We will extend the roll-out of personalisation, including personal budgets to give people and their carers more control and we will do more to help carers to have a life outside their caring role, for example by helping them into  employment, if that is what they want to do."

Quite simply, carers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Carers Week gives them a voice.  By listening, responding and working together to open up new opportunities, we can help all carers lead a 'life of their own'.

Paul Burstow sent the message above to Carers Week soon after his appointment as Minister for Carers.