Launch of Lancashire’s new emergency service for carers

A new emergency out-of-hours service for carers in Lancashire is to be officially launched in October by Tracey Dawson, widow of Les Dawson and Mo from the Roly Poly’s.

The Peace of Mind 4 Carers service is being set up by Lancashire County Council. It aims to address the main concern of most carers, which is ‘what will happen in an emergency if I can no longer care for my relative or loved one’?

In the event of a carer suddenly being unable to provide care, the service arranges up to 72 hours of free replacement care which will be delivered within one hour in the ‘cared for’ person’s home.

The new Peace of Mind service will be launched at Lancashire County Council’s Annual Carers Conference on October 8. It has been running as a pilot project since June of this year. It has been a resounding success, with around 150 carers already signed up.

Tracey Dawson understands the importance of providing emergency support for carers: “Having myself been a carer for my mother and two friends, who all had cancer, I know first-hand how worrying and stressful life can be.

“From my own experience and my contact with carers, I know that one of the things that worries them most is what will happen if they’re no longer able to look after their loved one.

“So I’d like to congratulate everyone who’s been involved in setting up what will be an invaluable service, and I’m delighted to be able to give it my full support.”

In addition to unveiling the new Peace of Mind service, the carers conference will give carers the chance to attend two out of the seven workshops provided during the day.

The conference w ill be chaired by Jackie Dewhurst, a former carer and chair of the Lancashire’s Carers’ Forum: “The theme of the conference will be ‘The Carers’ Voice’, as carers are the experts, they know best what they need to support them to carry out their caring role.

“The workshops will offer information, advice and support to carers on a wide range of issues including helping carers to cope with stress, advice on benefits and an introduction to self-directed support.

“I’m also delighted that, during the conference, we’ll be able to explain Lancashire’s new Carers Strategy and what it will mean for carers in practical terms. We’ll also explain a little more about personalisation and self-directed support.

Jackie continued: “The focus of social care is changing, with more emphasis now on preventative approaches to enhance people’s well-being. The introduction of self-directed support or personalised services will enable people to take more control of their lives.

“The day is completely free and all carers are welcome to attend. Carers who do attend can take advantage of paid expenses and replacement care.”