Burnham-On-Sea’s MP Tessa Munt has teamed up with TV presenter and Fiona Phillips this week to call for improved support for carers across Somerset.
Tessa made the call at the launch of Carers’ Week, which takes place from June 18th-24th and recognises the contribution made by those who provide unpaid care at home for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.
Tessa and Fiona joined forces to urge that carers in Somerset receive better financial and practical support in their caring roles, plus regular health checks and more breaks.
The MP has objected to proposed Somerset cuts to the Young Carer’s budget, which provides support for 341 carers in Somerset aged from 8 to 18 years old who look after a family member who is unwell.
She told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “These are the most vulnerable in our society and we should be increasing, not decreasing, the support we offer them!”
“It’s about time we knew whether the Conservatives are going to support Somerset’s Young Carers or not – weeks and weeks have passed and families have a right to know. It is still unclear exactly what the Conservatives propose, what level of service is being run and what will be planned for Young
Carers. I hear reports of the County Council running a ‘skeleton service’, with rumours of unfilled vacancies and budgets left unspent.”
Pictured: Burnham MP Tessa Munt with TV presenter and former carer Fiona Phillips at the launch of Carers’ Week
