Carers’ support service launched

CARE day . . . OLDHAM Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle at the launch

AN emergency support service has been launched for Oldhamers who look after sick, disabled or frail members of the family, friends or neighbours.

It aims to ease worries about what might happen to people if their carer falls ill or has an accident, family emergency or crisis at work.

Carers are given a card to carry with them at all times. This has details of two other people who can be contacted by the service’s control room to step in at short notice. If they are not available, Oldham Council’s rapid response team will provide emergency support for up to 72 hours, giving the family or social services time to arrange alternative care.

Senior development worker Debra Sparks said: “It gives carers that little bit extra peace of mind. If anything happens to them when they are out, people will know they have someone at home depending on them.”

The service was launched at the ninth annual Carers’ Rights Day. Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle, attended the event at Oldham Carers’ Centre at the The Link Centre, Union Street. It gave people who look after others information on their pension and finances.

For more information contact the Carers’ Centre on 0161-770 1188.