Carers can sign up for a discount card for benefits at cafes, days out and for everyday services, to help those looking after a family member or friend who would not manage without them, Dorset Council have told KeeP 106.
National Carers Week, between 6 and 12 June, highlights the role carers play in the community and the ways to access support, once they have identified as a carer.
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much needed support.
One of the best ways to access help is by requesting a carers assessment.
An assessment is non-judgemental conversation to check a carer’s wellbeing, explore how they cope and whether there is any support which can be provided to help them with the caring role.
In addition, carers are urged to register as a carer with the council and their GP to unlock support for families.
Councillor Cherry Brooks, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Firstly caring is not just something people do in their role of being a husband, wife, child or family friend.
“Their roles are invaluable for the family member or friend who would not be able to remain independent in their own environment without their assistance and care with shopping, physical, or emotional needs.
“Carers assessments and the council’s community network are in place to give carers, who can be a full-time carer or care in additional to having employment, support.
“One way is to sign up with a GPs surgery and the council, get a carers card and benefit from a whole range of discounts from businesses across the county.”
There are lots of events planned to coincide with Careers Week and the full calendar of events is here – Carers Week 2022 6-12 June – Our Dorset. Carers are urged to go an take part so they can talk to other carers and see what help and advice is out there for them.
Find out more about a carers assessment – Complete an Unpaid Carers Enquiry Form or phone 01305 221016, and apply for a cares card here – Carers Card – Recognising Unpaid Carers Throughout Dorset (mycarerscard.co.uk).
