Care homes on Labour’s agenda

Labour’s shadow minister for care was in Enfield on Wednesday to support Joan Ryan’s election campaign.

Joan Ryan (left) visited an Enfield care home with Liz Kendall

Liz Kendall visited care homes in the Enfield North constituency to discuss her party’s plans England’s 5.4 million unpaid family carers, including 27,000 people living in the borough.

Labour’s plans for carers include a new NHS duty to ensure family carers are identified and supporters where necessary.

Ms Ryan, the Labour candidate for Enfield North, said: “In Enfield alone, 6,000 people are doing more than 50 hours of unpaid care every week – this can take a huge personal toll on their health as well as their financial and emotional wellbeing.

“Carers need more support, not less, and I believe Labour’s plans will really help.”

Ms Kendall added: “Most unpaid carers don’t have enough time to pay attention to their own health, and many don’t come forward for help or get any breaks. Often people don’t even see themselves as being a carer – they’re just a son, daughter, husband, wife or partner trying to look after the person they love.

“It’s not right that people who do so much get so little in return. We need to improve support for families, and Labour’s package of measures will make a real and practical difference to their lives.”