Are you looking after someone through COVID-19? Or perhaps you know someone who is? Family members, friends and neighbours often provide crucial care for someone who couldn’t manage without their help. You could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.
In this worrying time, Carers Support Centre urges carers to reach out to their support systems. All carers must consider what their contingency plans are in the event of them contracting COVID-19 and being unable to provide care. Is there someone who can support you if this becomes necessary? Talk to family and friends about this, to help reduce anxiety during this uncertain time.
It has never been more important to have a Carers Emergency Card. This card shows your name, a unique identification number and an emergency phone number. If you have an accident/emergency or are taken seriously ill, the card can be used to alert a 24-hour emergency call centre that the person you care for needs help. Steps are then taken to ensure the safety of the person cared for.
If you look after someone and you don’t have a Carers Emergency Card, make sure you register for one now. Register for a card on the Carers Support Centre website: https://www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk/our-services/carers-emergency-card/
Carers Support Centre’s wellbeing service is also here for local carers. It aims to give emotional support and help you become more resilient. This is a difficult and testing time for carers. The wellbeing service includes befriending, mentoring and counselling. It is free, confidential and is delivered by phone.
Through the befriending service, the charity will match you with a trained volunteer, who can provide conversation, companionship and emotional support. Contact Maria for more information: mariad@carerssupportcentre.org.uk
If you need to talk about issues relating to your caring situation, get in touch with CarersLine.
CarersLine: 0117 965 2200
10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday
2pm to 4pm, Monday to Thursday
CarersOnline: CarersLine@carerssupportcentre.org.uk
Carers Support Centre also has a coronavirus FAQ page full of guidance, advice and resources for carers: www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk
