Jo Swinson praises Carers Link's first year

10.42.39am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd Sep 2005

Jo Swinson MP yesterday visited East Dunbartonshire Carers Link and praised the hard work of staff since Carers Link started operating a year ago this month.

Jo Swinson has paid tribute to the work of Carers Link staff

Jo met staff at the Carers Link headquarters in Milngavie and discussed ways of working together with Carers Link manager Jennifer Roe.

After the meeting, Jo commented, "In serving my constituents, it helps to work alongside local community organisations like Carers Link. By communicating closely we can ensure constituents receive the advice and support that is most appropriate to their needs."

Started in September 2004, Carers Link is a one-stop shop dedicated to offering information and support to anyone who provides care, whether to a friend, neighbour or family member.

Three out of every five people will become a carer at some point in their lives, and in East Dunbartonshire one person in eight is a family or 'informal' carer.

Locally owned by the carers and residents of East Dunbartonshire, Carers Link provides individual support, over the telephone or in person, and also establishes support groups to allow carers to share their experiences.

Jo added, "Carers Link clearly provides a valuable, friendly and efficient service for carers in East Dunbartonshire. It is estimated that are over 12,000 people in this area have caring responsibilities for elderly people, relatives and children with special needs."

"It is great that there is an organisation that can provide help for those who, in turn, give up so much of their time to help others."

Jennifer Roe, Chief Executive of Carers Link, also gave an enthusiastic response to the meeting.

"It was a very positive meeting. I welcomed the opportunity to chat with Jo about Carers Link, and was grateful for the interest she has shown in the service. We were all impressed by the general understanding she has already shown about caring, however, we also discussed some of the more complex issues involved with being a Carer."

"Following the meeting, I can say that we will be working closely together in future. We anticipate exciting developments over the next year such as expansion of our services and the possible introduction of a local Respite Strategy, which Jo will be kept informed about, and naturally Jo will also be able to refer Carers who might benefit from our support to Carers Link."

Carers Link recently received a £2000 'Innovation in the Community' award from AOL, which will be used for laptop computers and website development, allowing carers to chat to each other over the internet.

If you are a Carer, or know someone who provides support, contact Carers Link on 0141 955 2131 or go to www.carerslink.org.uk