Local MP and county councillor pay tribute to unpaid carers

Unpaid carers have been hailed as unsung heroes by Central Devon MP Mel Stride and the Devon County Council cabinet member for Adult and Social Care Cllr James McInnes. The pair met recently in Chudleigh and discussed a number of issues facing the adult and social care, here in Devon and across the country. This included the independent review that was recently concluded by former Labour Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt, into the oversight and governance of integrated care systems.

Cllr McInnes said:

“Without the help provided by millions of unpaid carers across the UK our health and social care system would collapse. It is important they get the recognition they deserve. Any unpaid carer who is struggling to cope and needs to organise respite care should contact Devon County Council on 0345 1551 007 for more information.”

Mr Stride added:

“Every unpaid carer is making a huge difference to someone else’s life. I strongly urge anyone who is caring for someone for more than 35 hours a week to check if they are eligible for the Carer’s Allowance of more than £300 a month by visiting www.gov.uk/carers-allowance.”

Carers UK estimates that around 1 in 8 adults, around 6.5 million people, are carers, saving the economy around £162 billion a year – equivalent to the entire NHS budget.

Carers Week ran from 5th to 11th June and more information can be found at www.carersweek.org.