Carers Week

In support of Carers Week (10-16 June)¹, The Stroke Association has just published a new leaflet² - Stroke - a carer's guide - which provides information and advice to carers of those who have suffered a stroke.

In a recent survey³ by the charity, 70% of carers had worries about looking after someone with a stroke and 63% had problems or concerns about their own health. This information leaflet hopes to address these concerns and provides answers to the most common questions asked by carers, as well as listing some of services and benefits available. Practical health tips are also included.

Hundreds of thousands of people have devoted their lives to caring for someone who has become disabled following a stroke. Much of this support is voluntary - provided by partners, relatives, friends and family who often have to give up employment in order to help out.

Dr Ben Jabuni, Director of Community Services at The Stroke Association, says, "A stroke is devastating - it not only affects the individual but friends and loved ones as well. Family members can become carers overnight without even realising it and this leaflet sets out to help them adjust to their new role."

The Stroke Association is calling on the Government to improve care for those people affected by stroke - making it a reality rather than an aspiration. This includes improving the support given to carers of stroke sufferers.

For a free copy of the leaflet contact: The Stroke Association, Northampton Resource Centre, 61-69 Derngate, Northampton NN1 1HD or call 01604 623933.

Ends

Notes to editor

1. Carers Week is a partnership of charities - Carers UK, Contact a Family, Crossroads and The Princess Royal Trust of Carers.
2. This leaflet has been partly funded by a donation from Marks and Spencer.
3. Speaking Out About Stroke Services - a survey by The Stroke Association 2001.
4. For more information, please contact: The Stroke Association Media Office on 020 7566 0317/0328.

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