From the 6-12th of June, we celebrate the many carers across the UK. Rushanara Ali MP's statement for Carers week:

"Across the UK there are 6.5 million unpaid carers. These are people who are often working behind the scenes to support those around them, usually at the cost of their own energy, well-being and finances. This week is Carers Week and I want to applaud carers for the incredible work they do in providing vital and selfless care and support for their loved ones.

During the pandemic, we once again witnessed the amazing work and sacrifice carers made. For many, the staggering pressure of Covid-19 has not eased, as isolation, burn-out and a lack of access to support services continue to impact millions of carers. Now, in the light of the cost of living crisis, the Government is once again passing the burden of responsibility onto carers. Some 4.87 million carers worry about the effect of their work on their physical and mental health and yet they receive little support from the Government. 

Today, I join Age UK, Carers UK and others in the call for the Government to publish a Recovery and Respite Plan for unpaid carers. It is time that caring is made visible, valued and supported."