THE work of unpaid carers "cannot be underestimated", according to Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans.

Mr Dorans voiced his support for the "crucial" role played by unpaid carers across his constituency as part of Carers Week 2023, running from June 5-11.

Carers Week is an annual event which recognises the vital contribution made by people caring unpaid for family members or friends who have a disability, illness, mental health condition, or who need extra help as they grow older.

Mr Dorans attended an event in the UK Parliament to mark Carers Week and met with unpaid carers to hear about and better understand their experiences of caring, how carers could be better identified, and what support they now need.

The seven charities supporting Carers Week in 2023 – Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB, Rethink Mental Illness, and The Lewy Body Society – are calling for the Government to deliver cross-UK Government action to support unpaid carers.

Mr Dorans has backed annual week of recognition, and says the importance of unpaid carers must not be understated.

He said: “Unpaid carers in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock provide crucial support to friends and family members, often without any time out for themselves.

"The value of the support they provide is staggering - the equivalent of a second NHS.

"It is important that their efforts are recognised and that they are given the support they need to care safely and well for their loved ones.

“I am supporting Carers Week 2023 to ensure unpaid carers in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock are connected to the support they need and get the breaks they deserve.”

To find out more go to www.carersweek.org.