A CHARITY which helps care for disabled people has seized on a survey condemning the lack of recognition for the work of carers.

Vitalise, based at Jubilee Lodge, in Grange Farm, Chigwell, offers respite breaks for people with disabilities and has called the latest survey into the state of carers “shameful”.

The survey, carried out for Carers Week showed 74 per cent of carers have reached “breaking point” at some point during their work.

Vitalise spokesman Eddy Marie said: “The lack of recognition and reward for the thankless work carers do is frankly shameful. Carers are being driven to the very edge by the stress of caring for a loved one without adequate support.

“Carers save the economy £87billion a year, yet Carer’s Allowance is just £53.10 a week – the lowest benefit of its kind. It’s about time the Government recognised the contribution carers make and gave them the support they need.”

Jubilee Lodge held an open day party during Carers’ Week to celebrate the work of their helpers.

The day offered music and a barbecue and was attended by district council chairman Penny Smith.