A scheme to give free PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to people who provide care and support for others in the Dorset Council area is being extended.
Personal assistants (PAs) and unpaid carers living in the Dorset Council area can request free personal protective equipment as they continue to carry out their caring duties through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scheme was first introduced in February and expected to last until 30 June, but the provision has now been extended by the government until March 2022.
Who can apply for free PPE?
You can apply for free PPE from Dorset Council if you are:
- an extra-resident unpaid carer, meaning that you do not live with the person you care for
- a co-resident unpaid carer, meaning that you live with the person you care for
- an unpaid carer and you are caring for a clinically vulnerable person
- you’re directly employed by an individual (or self-employed) to provide care and support to enable them to live as independently as possible
- you provide care that requires you to come within 2 metres of an adult over the age of 18 who you support – this care could include support in the home, or to go out into the community
What PPE can I get?
The free personal protective equipment for unpaid carers and personal assistants includes:
- visors
- aprons
- IIR masks
- sanitiser
- non-latex gloves
What happens when I run out of PPE? You are not restricted to one order of free PPE. You are entitled to request more items as and when you run low on supplies.
Free PPE can be requested online:
Request free PPE if you are an unpaid carer
Request free PPE if you are a personal assistant
Alternatively, you can call our Dorset Together helpline on 01305 221000.
Cllr Simon Gibson, lead member for Care at Dorset Council, told KeeP 106: “It’s really good news that the provision of free PPE for personal assistants and unpaid carers has been extended until March 2022.
“Carers and personal assistants do a fantastic job supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Dorset through what continues to be a really challenging time.
“I’m pleased this provision will remain in place so they can continue to protect themselves, those they care for, and others they come into contact with as they go about their caring duties.”
More support for unpaid carers
Caring takes on many forms. You may not even identify yourself as a carer, but the caring you do entitles you to information, advice, and support. It is important that when you’re caring for someone that you look after yourself too.
Caring can be very rewarding, but without the right support it can have a negative impact on your health, career, finances, or relationships. You may have found that your caring role has become more challenging due to COVID-19, or you may have taken on new caring responsibilities.
Carer Support Dorset is the first point of contact for advice and support to unpaid carers of all ages across the Dorset Council area. Their aim is to create carer-friendly communities where carers are recognised, valued, and supported. Contact them on freephone 0800 368 8349, or view their website www.carersupportdorset.co.uk
