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Emergency Card scheme for West Cheshire carers continues to grow

Carers across the borough are joining the West Cheshire Carers Emergency Support Service - with the scheme hoping to issue its 500th card by Christmas.

Denise and Peter Ashcroft with Councillor Brenda Dowding.

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 brand new card. The card also displays a photo of the carer, so it doubles up as a form of ID to prove they are a carer.

Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care, Councillor Brenda Dowding met some of the carers who have signed up for the scheme. She said: "I was delighted to be able to see firsthand how this scheme gives carers real peace of mind when they are out and about."

Ellesmere Port carer, Denise Ashcroft, who cares for her husband Peter and signed up for the scheme last year.

Denise 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 Peter will receive rapid support."

The Council's Carer's Champion, Councillor Don Beckett added: "We believe there are around 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 please call the freephone Helpline on 0800 085 0307 or visit www.carers.org/cheshire.

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