Peter Soulsby is calling for the contribution of the many thousands of carers in Leicester to be recognised by the local community and society at large. More than three-quarters of people looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role.

The statistics, part of new research issued to launch Carers Week (14-20 June) , also highlights that 75% of carers say they have lost touch with family and friends, while 4 out of 5 are worse off financially because of their caring role.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson's UK , and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers

Many carers are sacrificing their own lives, unable to do the little things that most of us take for granted in order to carry out vital caring duties for their families and friends, and for their communities. All too often, these unsung heroes are also sacrificing their own health, both physical and mental. Peter Soulsby is backing Carers Week's ‘A life of my own' campaign, which calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work.

Peter Soulsby said: “Whether the chance to have a long bath or a full night's sleep – these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in Leicester . They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make to their loved ones, to our local community and to society at large.”

Greg Drozdz, Chief executive at CLASP, said: “CLASP wants to ensure that those who feel isolated or lonely because of caring, learn about the services and support out there to help them. The re-launch of our Directory of Respite Care is a key element in helping carers.”

CLASP is the local first port of call for Carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland seeking advice and information, counselling, advocacy and emotional support and will be celebrating 15 years of existence this year.

Mr Drozdz added: “Any of us could become carers at any time. Famous personalities like Pam Ferris, the actress, Sally Lindsay, from Coronation Street and John Suchet the newsreader have been or are Carers. It can affect us all. It is vital that people come forward for support – that is what CLASP provides”.

Peter Soulsby said: “Paddy lived most of his adult life on the Saffron Lane Estate, and for many years had been a volunteer caretaker and Executive Committee member of the Saffron Resource Centre.”

Sadly, Paddy passed away in September, and his family and friends are still coming to terms with their loss.

The Centre Manager, Beverley Hall, said: “We at the Saffron Resource Centre recognise that we are unlikely to be blessed with a neighbour as kind and helpful as Paddy again, and are keen to plant this tree as a permanent reminder of the services he provided to the community; a community of which he was such an integral part.”

“We relied on him to open up the building after hours and at weekends, so that

local residents had access to services that we would otherwise have been unable to offer. He would respond within seconds to our frequent calls for help. Whether he was playing the role of postman, odd-job man, or security guard; we knew we could depend on Paddy.”

Friday March 25 2010

Peter said: “I was delighted to support The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I had no hesitation in pledging to do my bit, and I encourage everyone to visit the website to find out how they can get involved in the campaign.”

The Royal British Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, Kevin Shinkwin, said: “We’re really grateful to Peter Soulsby pledging to do his bit. The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties, and our manifesto outlines practical ways the next Government can help. We hope all the parties will give it serious consideration and that every MP will pledge to do their bit.”

The Labour Government has announced the “Be the Boss” enterprise scheme which will be delivered by the Royal British Legion throughout the UK.

Peter Soulsby said: “Veterans in Leicester who have bravely served their country deserve help to get a business going. This scheme will take business ideas off the drawing board and made into reality. I would urge veterans who might be thinking of setting up a business to get in touch with the Royal British Legion to see what support they can access.”

Friday March 19 2010

Network for Change is an award winning local voluntary organisation providing Supported Housing, Outreach and Resource Centre services to residents of Leicester who are suffering from mental health problems that have impacted significantly on their quality of life.

The Network Resource Centre provides an innovative and evolving programme of groups and activities designed and part-delivered by the service users. There are now over 100 clients attending the Centre in addition to a waiting list of people needing to use the service.

Peter Soulsby MP said: “The importance of this work and the support it offers people suffering from mental health issues cannot be overstated. The service improves people’s mental health and wellbeing, reduces isolation and increases confidence and self-esteem.”

“It is also a vital preventative service for people who may feel suicidal, or unable to cope, and significantly reduces the need for crisis intervention and expensive hospital admissions”.

The Network Resource Centre meets local and national Government priorities and principles and meets a vital gap in local provision in providing services to adults living in Leicester with long-term severe and complex mental health issues.

When Peter Soulsby recently visited the Centre in January this year, service users comments included: “It is a second family” and “Would not still be here if it was not for the group”

The Resource Centre has largely been funded through charitable and non-statutory grants for the previous five years.

Friday March 19 2010

The agreement means that, in the future, consumers’ most expensive debt – like withdrawing cash on a credit card – will be able to be paid off more quickly, there will be better repayment plans available to customers, a ban on credit limit and rate increases for people at risk of financial difficulty and a right to 60 days to reject interest rate increases.

Peter Soulsby MP said; “The announcement is an important step forward for local people’s rights in terms of managing their own finances, delivered by a Labour government. It’s estimated that these reforms will save the average credit card user around £224 a year and consumers UK-wide well over £300m a year. This is an important boost to individuals and families coming through the financial downturn.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said; “Step by step, we are reinventing the financial services industry after the global financial crisis and moving the balance of power back towards consumers. These new rights will put an end to the irresponsible lending practices that people have been most concerned about, and help cut the cost of borrowing.“

Labour’s consumer Minister Kevin Brennan said; “This is a big win for consumers and helps to put them back in the driving seat with their finances. When we asked the public what changes they wanted to see we discovered most people did not know the charges worked this way. They thought it was unfair and confusing, and they naturally wanted to pay off their most expensive debts first.

Peter Soulsby welcomed the Labour government’s plan to boost funding for the Fairtrade labelling system and urged shoppers in Leicester to look for the Fairtrade Mark on food, gifts and other products in the shops.

Over 4,500 products have been licensed to carry the Fairtrade Mark and there are over 460 producer organisations selling to the UK, representing more than 1.5 million farmers and workers in developing countries. The government’s latest investment will bring another 1 million producers into the scheme and enable 7 million more people in poor countries to benefit from a better deal offered by Fairtrade.

Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Small changes in our shopping habits can make a big difference to the world’s poorest people. By buying food, gifts and other products from developing countries we will help grow their economies and reduce poverty.”

“When consumers and retailers act together to promote and buy goods from developing countries, we can make a real difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.”

In October 2009 Peter Soulsby joined International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, to open the Just Fairtrade shop in St Martins Square. The shop which was founded in 200- had moved from its premises in Bishop Street.

Wednesday March 17 2010

Sir Peter Soulsby MP welcomes today’s announcement by the Transport Select Committee to recommend the electrification of the Midland Main Line railway.

The Committee recommended that the further electrification of the rail network, particularly the Midland Main Line, should be given top priority.

Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, has campaigned tirelessly for the electrification of the Midland Main Line. Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The benefits that such an upgrade to the Midland Main Line will bring to Leicester are immense. It will mean even faster connections direct from Leicester to London and Eurostar at St Pancras.”

Peter, who is a member of the Transport Select Committee, added: “I was delighted when I persuaded the Select Committee to look at the priorities for rail investment. The evidence we heard for the electrification of the Midland Main Line was overwhelming in its favour.”

“I will now campaign to make sure that the Government responds positively and commits itself to electrifying our line.”

Monday February 15 2010

Sir Peter Soulsby MP welcomes the Government's recent announcement to further extend its drive to tackle repossessions.

Leicester is one of 30 cities where the special helpline number and the Government's repossessions help website will be advertised on the local radio and the local press.

Sir Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, said: “This advertising campaign will benefit the home owners in Leicester who may be under pressure, especially following the Christmas period. People across the City can get the free, impartial advice they need online or on the phone.”

“This further initiative demonstrates the Government's commitment to help homeowners who are struggling with mortgage repayments. The Government's measures to date have resulted in repossessions currently running at nearly half the rate of the previous recession. Demonstrating that Labour provides real help for real people.”

Monday February 1 2010