Dorset carers encouraged to get local discount card
The Carer Friendly ID opens up extra support for those looking after others
If you're a carer for a friend or relative, Dorset Council want you to sign up for a special ID card.
The Carer Friendly ID allows you to access support and discounts to make life a little bit easier.
140 businesses in the county are registered with the scheme - which gives you money off goods and services.
The card also displays the carers ‘In Case of an Emergency’ (ICE) contact details should they become ill or need medical attention.
Carers can also choose whether they have it as a physical card or as an app on a mobile.
Carers who sign up will get a monthly newsletter telling them about new discounts.
Forward Carers Project Manager, Rachel Close, said:
“We are keen to raise awareness about the Dorset Carers Card and, at the same time we want to reach out to people who have not yet identified as a Carer.
"We need to encourage them to self-identify as a Carer, as we know many people still don’t do this even though they are providing hours of unpaid care in our communities. In addition to the card, Carers can also access support provided by Carer Support Dorset, this includes advice and information."
More than 140 new businesses across Dorset have already signed up since a new Carers ID card was launched a year ago.
They include Gillingham, Beaminster and Bridport Museums, Swanage Foot Health Clinic, Robert Frith Opticians, Corfe Castle Model Village and many more.
Robert Frith’s Group Communications Manager Kate Brown said:
“We are already a dementia friendly business, and we are looking forward to the Carer Friendly training we receive as a part of this scheme. We hope other businesses will be inspired to do the same.”
Cllr Jane Somper, Portfolio lead for Housing, Adults and Public Health, said:
"I hope Carers will see this as an opportunity to help improve their quality of life as it is so important for them to stay healthy too. Many people don't realise that the support they provide falls under the legal definition of unpaid Care. This card is all about recognition, support and giving them the opportunity to improve their lives.”
The card, provided by Forward Carers, is free to Carers by registering with Carer Support Dorset, or Bridgit online tools.
If you already have a card which needs renewing contact Carer Support Dorset, or call 0800 368 8349.