Most NI carers have suffered mental ill-health - survey

More than two-thirds of carers in Northern Ireland questioned for a survey said they have suffered mental ill-health as a result of their caring responsibilities.

And more than a half said their physical health had deteriorated.

The survey was carried out across the UK to mark Carers Week, which starts today.

It is estimated that about 220,000 people in NI care for a loved

one, saving the state £4.6bn per year.

'Strain of caring'

A carer is defined as someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help as they grow older.

"In the absence of an assembly, more needs to be, and must be done, by policy-makers, health and social care providers, employers and the wider community in Northern Ireland to ensure carers here are recognised and supported, not just with their caring role but in all aspects of their daily lives," Ms Magee added.

A report from 2015 by Carers UK and the University of Sheffield found that the value of carers' support in Northern Ireland had almost doubled to £4.6bn since 2001.

It said researchers had attributed this to a large increase in the number of hours people are caring for, combined with an increase in the cost of replacement care.