of looking after so many disabled people would be a massive burden on the state. It's the sheer emotional effect on all the people who depend, day in, day out, on their love and care. We should all support, recognize and celebrate the incredible work that carers do - and backing Carers Week is a key part of that.

"This year's theme - 'a life of my own' - is particularly important. One of the big difficulties carers go through is the way they miss out on so many of the things other people take for granted: taking time off every so often; being able to enjoy afternoons out shopping or in the park; going away for a weekend without worrying all the time; being able to spend time with other members of the family.

"It's scandalous that almost two thirds of carers have not had a break for over a year for example, and we need to see how that can change. A big part of that is by giving carers greater choice over the respite that suits them and looking at all ways of making sure that carers get a break to recharge their batteries. We also need to support carers in the battles they have to wage with bureaucracy - giving them more power and control through personal budgets and direct payments, so they spend less time on paperwork.

"Carers Week is a great opportunity to think about all these issues and I am delighted to give it my support. The millions of carers in this country are a shining example of the strong and compassionate society we need. They deserve our thanks, our respect, our support - and our help."

The message above was sent by David Cameron in advance of Carers Week 2010.