National Carers Week (8th - 14th June) may have briefly shone a spotlight on the challenges facing those forced to care for physically (or mentally) ill relatives or friends.

But I firmly believe that the remarkable work of Britain's hidden army of home carers deserves much more attention from both the media and politicians alike.

As part of National Carers Week I attended the unique Time4Me event in Hangleton, organised by the Brighton Carers Centre.

The event was designed to enable carers - and their dependents - to have some time out from the stresses and strains of everyday life and come together in a relaxed, informal setting.

I was amazed at the dedication and compassion of many of the carers I met, and shocked at the difficulties many of them face.

All I spoke with faced considerable financial hardships a host of other pressures - from problems with housing and transport to lack of access to appropriate support services.

It is not surprising when you take into account that many of these people typically receive just £53.10 per week - way below the current minimum wage.

Some 72% of carers are financially worse off as a result of their caring duties, with 52% being forced to leave paid employment, according to recent research. This is alarming.

Brighton and Hove is home to an estimated 23,000 carers, including some 500 children.

Events such as Time4Me (and the organisations behind this and similar initiatives) offer a vital lifeline to these people and urgently need support and funding.

Having witnessed firsthand the challenges facing local carers here in Brighton, I was delighted to report that the Green Party endorses the "Carers Poverty Charter" being championed by a wide range of voluntary sector organisations and pressure groups.

These include Mencap, Macmillan Cancer, Citizens Advice and Carers UK amon others.

The charter is calling on the government to urgently overhaul the benefits system to alleviate the poverty and financial hardships facing many carers.

It's also calling for the government's 2018 deadline for addressing the issue to be brought forward.

Carers deserve better support.

Many of them do a fantastic job without reward and under considerable pressure - it is time they received a fairer deal.

It is time to end the years of poverty, exclusion and isolation brought about by the Government's failure to successfully address this issue.

You can sign up to the Charter here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=0_2bITdYdq_2bhlEyEtOM_2b_2bfaQ_3d_3d