SWINDON North MP Justin Tomlinson has teamed up with TV presenter and former carer Fiona Phillips to call for better support for the UK’s unpaid carers.

An estimated six million people throughout the UK provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

In support of this year’s Carers Week, which runs from June 18 to 24, Mr Tomlinson and Fiona have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their roles.

Research carried out in 2012 found that 47 per cent of unpaid carers said they were made ill by money worries, and 45 per cent of unpaid carers said that caring had pushed them into debt.

Mr Tomlinson said: “Thousands of people in Swindon sacrifice not only their time, but also their money and their health in order to care for a loved one.

“Together they save this country an incredible £119bn every year. It’s vital that carers are offered regular breaks from caring and health checks so that they can be supported.

“I am taking part in Carers Week to show my respect and appreciation for our carers. I also want to let them know that there are services out there to help them.

“Caring can be so incredibly demanding. It’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.”

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of eight national charities.