New figures reveal over 50,000 households in Suffolk have at least one unpaid carer, with just under 10% in health deprivation with no access to a car or van.

According to new research conducted by the PA News Agency, there are 52,120 households in the county with at least one unpaid carer.

Of this figure, 4,519 (8.7%) are in health deprivation, which is classified as any person that has bad or very bad general health or is identified as disabled, and also have no access to a car or van.

East Suffolk leads the way with 18,934 households with at least one unpaid carer, followed by West Suffolk at 10,715.

Ipswich, however, is the district with the highest percentage of unpaid carer households in health deprivation with no access to a car or van at 13.8%.

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for adult care Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger.Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for adult care Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger. (Image: Suffolk County Council)

Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for adult care Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger said: "It's not right for these unpaid carers to suffer in silence.

"We would encourage them to come forward so we can make sure they are supported."

Cllr Hopfensperger added that many of these people won't even recognise themselves as unpaid carers.

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"Sometimes they just see their work as caring for a family member they love," she added.

"But if we can identify these unpaid carers, we can support them appropriately - even if it's just to offer a couple of hours of respite here and there.

"Becoming a carer friendly council is a real priority for us and we want to celebrate their roles."

The figures come at the start of UK-wide awareness campaign Carers Week, which aims to recognise the contribution made by the nation's 5.7 million carers.