City of York Council, in partnership with York Carers Centre, is to launch an emergency card for carers.

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The idea is that the handy credit card-sized card can be used by carers in times of emergency. Each carer will be issued with a card and a unique PIN number that allows them to register a plan for alternative care arrangements for the relative, friend or neighbour that they look after. Their plans will then be held confidentially by City of York Council’s Warden Call service, which can respond to a request for help 24 hours a day.

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Research carried out by Carers UK found that 96 per cent of carers surveyed worry what would happen if anything prevented them from providing care at very short notice, due to an accident or sudden illness.

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City of York Council’s director of Housing and Adult Social Services, Bill Hodson, said: “Carers provide much of the support that enables people to live independently in the community. We know that carers worry about what will happen in an emergency, which often causes anxiety and sleepless nights for people.

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“The Carers Emergency Card will mean that carers in York can feel reassured that they have the back-up they need if an emergency or accident happens.”

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The launch event has been timed to coincide with Carers’ Week 2008, which is an annual, national event taking place betwee June 9 and 15. The theme for this year is ‘Carers can’t afford to be ill’, so the launch of a card that helps carers when they are faced with an emergency ties in with this.

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York Carers Centre will support carers who want help in completing a registration form and joining the scheme. Staff at the centre will also provide further information about how the scheme will work.  Please contact  the Carers Emergency Card scheme on 01904 656985.

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