Local MP Andrew Mitchell has opened Sutton’s annual Carers Week Convention to celebrate and recognise the important contribution carers make to the people that they care for in the Sutton community. The event, held at the United Reformed Church, focused on the theme ‘Prepare to Care?’ which looks at the impact of caring on daily life – making sure those who are already caring are accessing the practical and emotional support that they need – and whether the wider population is prepared for future caring responsibilities. Mr Mitchell spoke about the important role of carers in the community and was informed by local carers that the Coalition Government’s personalised budgets are working well. Following the event Andrew Mitchell MP, said “Carers Week is an important reminder of the huge amount of time, effort and devotion that carers contribute week in, week out throughout the UK. I take part in Carers Week each year to recognise the outstanding and often unnoticed job that carers in Sutton Coldfield undertake. “During the event I spoke with Maureen Parker, Chair of Birmingham Carers’ Association about making representations to the management at Birmingham Airport and Birmingham New Street Station about the lack of a disabled toilet with a hoist at both locations.” If you would like to contact Carers UK Birmingham call 0121 355 1006 (Mon - Fri 10:00am - 3:00pm) or 0121 681 6086 (Out of Office Hours) or email enquiries@carersukbirmingham.org For more information about the Birmingham Branch of Carers UK go to www.carersukbirmingham.org Photos: (Top): Andrew Mitchell MP with Maureen Parker, Chairman of North Birmingham Carers. (Bottom): Andrew Mitchell MP with Reverend David Walton, and representatives from North Birmingham Carers.