It has always been valuable for people looking after a family member or friend to be identified as a carer.
The government restrictions in place due to coronavirus recognise the need for carers to be able to carry out tasks, such as shopping and collecting medication, for the people they look after, so being able to show you are a carer has become even more relevant.
The Caring Together carers card is a good way for to help you be identified a carer, whether this is when you are at the shops, GP surgery, pharmacist or other places. (We would also recommend you make sure that the GP of the person you look after is aware you are their carer).
Early in the coronavirus pandemic we provided people with letters to show they are a carer but our carers card is now available.
For carers who have a What If? plan with us – a plan which can be activated if something happens which means they cannot carry out their normal caring duties – the card is now dual purpose. And we have been sending people with What If? cards a new carers card which serves both purposes. But you do not need to have a What If? Plan to have a carers card.
If you don’t yet have a carer’s card you can find out more by emailing us at [email protected] or by calling 0345 241 0954.
Registering for a What If? Plan
If the person you look after lives in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough you can register a ‘What If? Plan’ with us.
The What If? phone line is then available for you to call 24-hours a day if you need to activate your plan. This includes us getting in touch with a named contact, such as another family member or friend, to make them aware of the situation and to put the agreed plans into action.
If you are a carer who is caring for an adult, we can also provide urgent support to the person you care for, in the event of you being unable to care for them.
This free service is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.
Find out more at caringtogether.org/whatifplan
