'In sickness and in health' Carers Week 2012 survey

The Carers Week survey for 2012 is out now. We need your help to make sure carers of people with Parkinson's are represented.

Please complete the Carers Week survey by the end of March.

The theme of Carers Week is 'In sickness and in health' and it's taking place 18-24 June.

The results from this national survey will help highlight the impact of social care cuts on the 6 million unpaid carers across the UK, particularly on carers' health and wellbeing.

Carers of people with Parkinson's have been telling us how much tougher they've been finding their caring role recently because of cuts to services. But we need an accurate picture of caring in the UK.

If you need a paper copy of the survey please email rebecca.couper@carersuk.org or call Donna, our social policy and campaigns officer, on 020 7963 9307 . Don't forget to tell other carers about the survey too.

Carers Week is a UK-wide awareness week to help bring the public's attention on carers and the issues they face. Parkinson's UK is one of 7 national partners this year.

Recent research showed that unpaid carers save the Government £119billion pounds a year, yet receive little support themselves. We think carers need more support and the replies to the survey will help build further evidence to present to politicians. The survey results will be released in Carers Week.

Carers Week is also a great opportunity for our local groups to organise events for carers or join in with other events happening locally.

Register any Parkinson's events you're planning on the Carers Week website and they will send you the materials to help you plan and promote your event. Carers Week events across the UK will be listed on the Carers Week website nearer the time.

We know that time is precious when you're a carer. But please do take time to complete the Carers Week survey if you can, to make sure people affected by Parkinson's are represented.

If you'd like to tell us your experiences of being a carer, email us at campaigns@parkinsons.org.uk