Local MP and ‘Carers Ambassador’ Tessa Munt has announced her party’s intention to reward almost 1,300 carers in the Mendip area and more than 1,600 carers in the Sedgemoor area with a bonus worth up to £250 a year – should the Lib Dems form part of the next Government.

The annual bonus will help more than one million people who look after disabled loved-ones nationally, and would be available to anyone who receives the Carer’s Allowance or the Carer’s Premium.

The annual payment will help full-time carers get a bit of extra help and is in recognition of the invaluable contribution they make to society.

Tessa said:

Tessa has been honoured with a request from the UK-wide Carers’ campaign to become one of just three Parliamentary Ambassadors, in a role which aims to reach out and support the huge number of carers.

Tessa has long campaigned for more recognition and better services for Somerset’s carers and was offered the role in recognition of this work.

Carers’ Week Quest 2014 is calling on individuals and organisations across the UK to sign up to a ground-breaking initiative to reach carers in their local communities who miss out on vital support and services.

Hundreds of organisations and individuals are currently signing up to support the Carers’ Week Quest – the greatest ever drive to reach out to the UK’s carers.

The very nature of caring – of being there for a loved one facing ill health or disability – means too often people don’t at first – and sometimes never – identify themselves as a carer and therefore miss out on support which is available.