CARERS across the borough are joining the West Cheshire Carers Emergency Support Service – with the scheme hoping to issue its 500th card by Christmas.
Available to carers of all ages and parents of children with complex needs, the scheme brings welcome peace of mind to those caring for someone.
Many worry about what would happen to the person they care for if they had an accident while out and about, were suddenly taken ill or were urgently needed elsewhere due to another crisis.
The council and Cheshire Carers Centre have now been joined by new partner Eldercare to deliver the scheme.
The card’s bright design clearly states that someone depends on them and gives an emergency phone number, which is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The scheme ensures there is a contingency plan in place to make sure the person they care for gets rapid assistance.
All members of the scheme across West Cheshire have now received a new card. This also displays a photo of the carer, so it doubles up as a form of ID to prove they are a carer.
Cllr Brenda Dowding, executive member for adult health and social care, met some of the carers who have signed up for the scheme.
She said: “I was delighted to be able to see first-hand how this scheme gives carers real peace of mind when they are out and about.”
Chester carer Jane Harding cares for her five-year-old son Thomas, who has autism, and signed up for the scheme last year.
She said: “I would encourage all carers to join the scheme. Having the card with me gives me peace of mind when I go out.
“It’s a good feeling to know that if anything should happen to me I know Thomas will receive rapid support.”
The council’s carers champion, Cllr Don Beckett, added: “We believe there are about 35,000 carers across Cheshire West and Chester and the council is keen to support carers in any way we can.
“As well as the emergency card scheme we will also launch our ‘Freedom to Care’ telecare project soon.”
To receive a registration pack for a carers emergency card, call the Freephone helpline on 0800 085 0307 or visit www.carers.org/cheshire.
If you would like to talk about the scheme in more detail, call Michelle on 01606 828151, extension 7, or send an email to emergencycard@ cheshirecarerscentre.org.uk.
