Stephen McPartland met up with Dr Chris at the House of Commons to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. Stephen said: “A trip to the cinema, or even a full night’s sleep – these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in Stevenage. I am supporting Carers Week and all those helping to raise awareness of carers, and their priceless contribution they make to our local community. I hope that as a result of Carers Week, many more carers will find out about services and support that exist to help them.”

Dr Chris, who has long been a champion for the health and wellbeing of the country’s millions of carers, said:“I am delighted to give my continuing support for Carers Week and its focus on a carer’s right to ‘A life of my own’. Many non-carers take their free-time for granted, whether it’s going to the cinema or meeting with family and friends. As a GP I have met many carers who have never received any help or respite. I know how carers’ own health and well-being has suffered as a consequence and just how isolated they can feel. Who is caring for the carers? Change is needed at grassroots level and Carers Week is vital in raising awareness and promoting carers’ issues.”