Carers UK is delighted that The ME Association has joined Carers Week 2024. Running from 10 -16 June, the annual awareness-raising event celebrates and recognises the essential contribution made by the UK’s 5.7 million unpaid carers.
It is estimated that unpaid carers save our economy £162 billion a year – the equivalent of a second NHS, yet many carers feel that the vital role they play is overlooked and forgotten. This includes those who care for a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support due to illness, disability, addiction or a mental health condition.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said:
It’s fantastic to have The ME Association on-board for Carers Week during this important election year. It’s never been more important to increase the voice and visibility of carers, both in our local communities and at national government level, shining a light on all that they do and the essential support they so desperately need. We can’t do this without our fantastic supporter organisations. Through our 2024 theme, ‘Putting carers on the Map’, we want to reach out to as many carers as possible, connect them with support, raise awareness of caring and call collectively for a better deal for unpaid carers.”
Russell Fleming, Head of Communications, The ME Association said:
ME/CFS and Long Covid can be very disabling medical conditions. For people who are the worst affected, survival can all too often depend on unpaid carers, most of whom receive very little support. The ME Association is committed to improving the lives of anyone affected by these conditions and to working with the government and healthcare providers to bring relief to those who often sacrifice their own health and wellbeing to take care of loved ones."
Led by Carers UK, Carers Week is brought to life through the activity of thousands of individuals and organisations who support carers in their local communities. It is aimed at decision makers, businesses, employers, services and communities. It also seeks to reach people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify themselves and access information and support that might make a real difference to their lives.
Carers Week is supported by Age UK, Carers Trust, MND Association, Oxfam GB, Rethink Mental Illness, The Lewy Body Society and The ME Association.