Do you look after or support someone, who couldn’t manage on their own if you didn’t? It might be a relative, friend or neighbour with an illness, disability, mental health or an addiction. You might not even see yourself as a carer because you don’t get paid to help. It is estimated that 10% of Dorset’s population are unpaid carers and we’re urging them to reach out for support and advice, especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Carer Support Dorset is a specialist service, which is free and available all year round to carers of all ages. The service provides ongoing support and information on a range of subject for carers such as mental health, finance and respite as well as offering access a friendly community of other local unpaid carers.
Residents can contact the service by calling 0800 368 8349, email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk or visit www.carersupportdorset.co.uk.
Cllr Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Dorset Council said:
“Unpaid carers who look after someone are so important in the community. They do an amazing job every day, even more so during this current crisis. We want to do all we can to ensure they have access to help and support so that they can continue to stay safe and well and continue to look after their relative or friend.
“Caring for someone can be very isolating and lonely. With the current government restrictions in place, it’s vital that unpaid carers know who they can turn to and where they can seek information and advice when they need it most.”
If an unpaid carer is self-isolating because of coronavirus symptoms and needs urgent help to access food and essential household items for themselves or the person they usually look after they should contact the council’s community response helpline on 01305 221000. Lines are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively they can email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Even if a carer receives Carers’ Allowance, they should still consider themselves as unpaid and help and support is available.
Thank you ever so much for your support!!
At the weekend we have received your supporting letter and carparking notice for unpaid carers if we have to go out and get supplies.
I have to admit after 7 weeks in self-isolation it gets harder with schooling our daughter who has special needs, working from home and be merry.
Thanks again for everything you do. Best wishes and stay safe too