The county council is encouraging unpaid carers to apply for a "carers' passport" which ensures they receive the right support at the right time as they continue in such a valuable role.
The identity card has been developed as a response to the difficulties and challenges which carers face, often on a daily basis, as well as giving them important recognition, particularly during the current pandemic.
The "passport" is recognised across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and is proudly supported by VASL - Leicestershire Support for Carers and their partners in the city and Rutland.
During the first lockdown in the spring, Support for Carers worked tirelessly to support carers, with many of them not having the proof to show who they were and as a result, for example, being unable to access supermarkets at the time slots allocated to support the vulnerable.
They were also anxious about visiting the person they cared for to provide vital support so the roll-out of this new 'passport' is a testament to the dedication and determination of the carers' support services across Leicestershire and Rutland as they continue to provide support in these difficult times.
Person:Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for adult social careKerry Turnbull, Support for Carers Service Manager, said: “I want to thank the team at Support for Carers for all their hard work and dedication in getting this off the ground and all the carers who were involved in providing vital input.”
Carers who are already registered with Support for Carers will automatically receive their wallet-sized passport by post, they can also email the team at maureen@supportforcarers.org to request a downloadable version for a phone or a lanyard if preferred.
To apply for a carers passport, or for more information, please contact Support for Carers on 01858 468543 or visit: www.supportforcarers.org