Burstow welcomes re-launch of Carer's Forum

12.39.55pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Dec 2006

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has welcomed the re-launch of the Sutton Carer's Forum as new research revealed that there are over sixteen thousand carers in the borough.

Mr Burstow attended an event to mark the re-launch of the forum as figures published by Carers UK showed that a staggering 5967 people face new caring responsibilities in Sutton Borough each year. The figures also show that there are 16,126 Carers in the borough. On Friday 8th December, 42 new carers attended an information stall in Sutton High Street.

The Sutton Carers Forum exists to represent the needs and opinions of Carers in the borough to the Council, local NHS and the government. The forum meets regularly, with the next meeting scheduled for 7th February.

Mr Burstow expressed his desire to work closely with the Forum to best represent the needs of Carers in Sutton and Cheam.

Speaking after the event, Mr Burstow said:

"The Sutton Carer's forum gives Sutton's carers a much-needed voice."

"With nearly six thousand local people facing new caring responsibilities every year, it is essential that a body such as the Forum exists to represent them."

"I would urge anyone who is involved in caring for someone else to attend the Forum's next meeting."