There are more than 6 million carers in Great Britain and this figure is likely to grow over coming decades. Indeed, every single day another 6,000 people take on new caring responsibilities.

Yet despite their tremendous contribution to their families and communities, all too often they are not given the recognition they clearly deserve.

I believe that the new ten-year Carers Strategy, launched by the Government in June, marks a major step forward for carers.

Backed by seven Government departments, it comes out of the most far-reaching consultation on the future of caring to date and is based on the changes carers have told us they want to see.

The Government has committed an extra £255 million to support carers over the next two years by providing more respite care, helping carers to re-enter the job market and to support young carers.

But the strategy is not just about financial support. It is also about a vision that, by 2018, carers will be recognised and valued for their role in building strong families and stable communities.

We want to make sure that we improve the support and information they get and that it is more tailored to individual needs, that they do not fall into financial hardship, that they can have a life of their own alongside their caring role and that they can stay mentally and physically well.

For children and young people we want to protect them from inappropriate caring so they can continue to learn, develop and generally thrive.

We have therefore introduced a range of initiatives including a new carers helpline and website, more respite breaks, a good practice guide for employers, health checks, GP training and training for professionals so they can recognise young carers.

In my own department, we have responded to carers wish for a better balance between their paid work and caring responsibilities by introducing a number of new measures in our Jobcentre Plus offices.

These include:

•    A system of pointing up which employers offer flexible working for carers
•    Care partnership managers in Jobcentre Plus offices who will oversee all issues related to carers
•    Special training for Jobcentre Plus advisers who work with carers
•    Flexible learning opportunities to ensure that carers – particularly those aged 16-24 – can get the education/training they need.

Finally, I want to pay tribute to those carers and organisations that have been with us every step of the way in developing this strategy. Their contribution has been invaluable and I hope we can continue to work closely together as we endeavour to deliver our vision for carers over the next ten years.