Islington Council is launching a new emergency card during Carers Week (9 - 13 June) to give carers - and those they look after - extra peace of mind.<br><br>Carers need to know that should something happen to them, the person they care for will not be forgotten. The credit card-sized Carers Emergency Card will hold a unique reference number and a 24 hour contact number. Should something happen to the card holder, the person finding the card can call the 24 hour number, activating the emergency plan so help is given to the person they care for. <br><br>This could be for just a few hours until the carer is back on their feet, or for up to 72 hours over a Bank holiday until social services can fully assess the situation.<br><br>Cllr John Gilbert, Islington Council's Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Services, said: "Islington Carers do a fantastic job so we want to help them make life easier for themselves and those they care for.<br><br>"These Emergency Cards mean that if a carer can't get back home for a few hours or overnight, those they care for will not be forgotten.<br><br>"It's all part of improving social services in Islington and is just one of the reasons Islington Council is fast developing a reputation for innovative and excellent public services."<br><br>Anyone registering will nominate two people - who can be family or friends - who could step in to cover in an emergency. <br><br>The scheme is open to residents who provide unpaid care or support to someone aged 18 or over who lives in Islington and either they or the person they care for is on the Social Services database.<br><br>The new scheme will be launched on 11 June at Centre 404 on Camden Road, N7, during Carers Week, Monday 9 June - Friday 13 June 2008. <br><br>The week sees a programme of events for carers in Islington including an information roadshow visiting The Nags Head Shopping Centre and Whittington Hospital on Tuesday 10 June and N1 Shopping Centre on 12 June.<br><br>In addition there will be a carers' fun day at Hargrave Hall, N19 on 11 June and a carers' party at St Joseph's Parish Centre, N19 on 13 June.<br><br>To find out more about the Carers Emergency Card scheme or Carers Week, call Islington Council's Carers Officer on 020 7527 8154.<br><br>or<br><br>email: carers@islington.gov.uk<br><br>or<br><br>www.islington.gov.uk/carers<br><br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009