Mike Penning MP has teamed up with former Miss Great Britain, Preeti Desai, and pledged his support for Carers Week 2007 (11-17th June).

Mike Penning and Preeti are drawing attention to the UK’s six million carers – people who look after a loved one who is either ill, frail or disabled – to help them gain the recognition and support they desperately need.

‘My Life as a Carer’ is the theme for Carers Week, and a survey of 3,500 carers has revealed the immense impact caring can have on every aspect of their life including, health, finances, career and relationships.

Two out of every three carers (66%) admitted that their personal relationships had suffered as a direct result of caring, with 60% revealing they have little quality time together with their partners. Two thirds (67%) admitted to being financially worse off, with a quarter (28%) unable to support their family properly. An alarming three-quarters of carers had not had a break from their caring role in the past 12 months.

Carers Week will highlight the services available to help ease the burden of caring and ensure carers lives’ are changed for the better.

Mike Penning said: “I am delighted to be supporting Carers Week. There are six million carers in the UK, including many in Hemel Hempstead. On top of worrying about a loved one’s needs, it must be terrible if carers themselves feel they have nowhere and nobody to turn to.

“I hope that by supporting Carers Week, more of my constituents who are dedicated to looking after someone will find out what services and support are available to them locally.”

Preeti Desai, crowned Miss Great Britain 2006-07, adds: “I’m thrilled to be able to support Carers Week. I wanted to be involved due to my own personal experience as a carer, which came when my mother was ill and I took a year off to care for her. I hope that Carers Week will raise awareness about the vital role carers play in our society and help them achieve the recognition and support they deserve."