MP Matt Bishop has taken the issue of support for parent carers directly to Parliament, following his recent backing of calls to improve early diagnosis and care for children with life-limiting conditions.

This week, the Forest MP raised those concerns in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to consider a dedicated national support pathway for parent carers, including improved access to counselling and respite services.

Mr Bishop asked the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Ashley Dalton MP, to look at how families could be better supported from the point of diagnosis.

He said his intervention was shaped by the experiences of families in the Forest of Dean as well as his wider work supporting parent carers nationally.

Mr Bishop is a trustee of Harry’s Pals, a national charity that provides emotional support, counselling and respite for parents of children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and campaigns for improved recognition of the challenges carers face.

Alongside the charity, Mr Bishop is now working to establish a new All-Party Parliamentary Group focused on parent carers.

He said the creation of the group marked an important step in turning awareness into practical change, ensuring that parent carers receive emotional and statutory support at the point it is most needed.

The MP also welcomed confirmation from Ms Dalton that she has agreed to meet with him and the founder of Harry’s Pals to discuss how support can be strengthened, both nationally and for families in the Forest of Dean.

Mr Bishop said the meeting would provide an opportunity to raise the need for clearer guidance, improved access to mental health support and respite, and better coordination between services.

He said ensuring families are supported and treated with dignity remained a priority.