A CHARITY has raised concerns about the amount of carers not receiving enough support.

National poverty charity Turn2us say that a significant number of those in financial hardship who are seeking its help are carers.

Figures published last month by the Department of Work and Pensions have revealed that there are now 1,690 people in Worcester who are receiving Carer’s Allowance.

Currently carers across the UK who provide support to people with a disability can get up to £62.70 a week Carer’s Allowance, providing they care for someone at least 35 hours per week.

People can qualify for Carer’s Allowance whether they are in or out of work, but must not earn more than £116 a week.

Simon Hopkins, chief executive of Turn2us, said: “We are contacted on a daily basis by those who are caring for someone with a disability and who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Too often carers are not aware of, and receiving, the help that they are eligible for and entitled to. Even when they are, many are finding it hard to cope with the financial strain of being a carer. ”

Turn2us is urging anyone who is caring for someone with a disability to seek its help at Turn2us.org.uk.

Robin Walker MP for Worcester said: “Carers play a vitally important role in supporting people across Worcestershire and the country.

"It is important that they in turn get the support that they need.

"I have supported carers week in every year of my time as MP, backed initiatives to provide more respite care and welcomed action by the Worcestershire Association of Carers to ensure that more carers are registered with their GPs so that they receive the support they are entitled to.

"Initiatives in the Queens speech such as reform of social care and more investment in mental health should help to ensure that carers and the people they support get better help in the future but we must keep up the focus on making sure carers get the all help to which they are entitled.

"Investing in carers is eminently worthwhile as their selfless work can save the taxpayer from bearing much heavier burdens.

"We need to make sure that more of the people who are eligible for carer’s allowance receive it and I welcome the work Turn2us are doing to raise awareness of this issue.”