TENS of thousands of carers are missing out on help.

Care and support Minister Norman Lamb joined health and social care professionals, charities and businesses to launch Carers Week Quest – the greatest ever drive to reach out to the UK’s carers.

The Carers Week Quest will rely on the help of individuals and organisations – including community groups, GPs, health and social care professionals, employers – to connect with those who are caring.

MP Norman Lamb said: “More people than ever are taking on caring responsibilities for their loved ones. Carers make an invaluable contribution to society and they need support to carry on the work they do.

“That is why we are legislating to give carers new rights – for the first time, they will have a legal right to support of their eligible needs, putting them on the same legal footing as the people they care for.

“I am pleased we are also able to support initiatives by the RCGP, carers and nursing organisations to raise awareness of carers among healthcare professionals.”