Andrew Mitchell MP has visited Sutton Coldfield’s United Reform Church to support the North Birmingham Interagency Group Carers Rights Day. Carers Rights Day, which took place on Friday 3 December, saw over 700 events take place across the UK to raise awareness and help provide advice and information to carers. During the visit Andrew Mitchell called on the local community to help identify people who are looking after ill or disabled loved ones at home and make sure they are getting support. Estimates from the charity Carers UK suggest that nearly 7,641 carers in Birmingham are missing out on a total of 21,415,548 pounds worth of Carer’s Allowance each year. This means that carers, who are often isolated, unsupported and unaware of the support they can get, end up cutting back on essentials like food and heating to make ends meet. Andrew Mitchell MP said, “I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding work that Sutton’s carers do week in, week out. They play a hugely important role in the local community and throughout the UK. We all know someone who is caring for an ill or disabled loved-one, it is crucial that they get the support they need.” Imelda Redmond, CBE, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said, “The care provided by family members saves the UK a staggering £87 billion a year. It is crucial that, in return, we all work to make sure carers get every penny of the financial support they can.” Carers who want information about their entitlements can order a free guide by: Visiting www.carersuk.org; emailing adviceline@carersuk.org; writing to Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX or calling 0808 808 7777.