Shropshire Carers is a dedicated Carer Support Team, within Shropshire Council, providing information, advice and support to adult carers of adults ie 18 years+ which may be useful for the 18-25 age group who are young adult carers.

Their vision is to enable carers to live their best lives by providing timely and quality information and support.

They are not a time limited service and they may be working with individual carers for a short time or for longer periods of time, or carers may dip in and out of their service depending on their individual needs.

The service offers Carers:

• 1:1 support - this includes emotional support, information and advice. They work with you to explore the options available to you as a Carer
• Information and advice – personalised for you
• Information line – 01743 341995 - operating Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
• Signposting or referral to specialist advice and support – eg benefits advice, advocacy.
• Regular check in and chats to check on your wellbeing
• Assistance with planning ahead – the right information at the right time
• Peer support groups – virtual and in the community
• Carers network – creating a County wide network for carers, peer groups and organisations who support carers
• Information and training workshops – an annual calendar of activities that you can book onto
• Events and activities
• Carer Register – a means of sharing important information quickly with you by a method that suits you best. With enrolment to the register you will also receive a carer ID/emergency card, emergency plan and free 5-part email course delivered by Mobilise

Carers can self-refer or referrals are made via statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations.

What is the Carer Register and how will it be used?

As an unpaid carer it can be difficult to know where to find information that is current and, importantly, correct.

At Shropshire Carers they recognised they needed a mechanism for sharing important information to unpaid carers quickly and have developed a Carer Register which will hold carer names; contact details; preferred method of contact and the main condition of the person being cared for so that they can share information relevant to you, the carer, and in a way that suits you best.

The information they hold on the Carer Register will only be used to:

• Share relevant carer information with you
• Information on the conditions supported will assist our commissioning of services in the future

You can de-register at any time from the Carer Register by emailing the Shropshire Carers team – Shropshire.Carers@shropshire.gov.uk

With enrolment to the Carer Register you will also receive an optional Carer email course!

A free email course to support you in your role as an unpaid carer:

• To ensure you are accessing fundamental services - so that you are getting the most help possible
• How to create a network of people who can support you - so you never feel isolated. 
• Guidance on emergency planning - so you are ready and prepared should something unexpected come up
• How to stay up to date - so you are aware of any changes which may affect you

A Carer Identification Card

The Carers Identification card is a small, credit card sized card that lets other people know in an emergency that the person you care for relies on you. The card should always be carried with you, for example in your bag or wallet. This provides the reassurance that, in an emergency, there are backup plans in place for the person you care for so they won’t be left without support.

Information to complete an Emergency Plan

Have you ever worried about what would happen if you suddenly could not be there for the person you support and care for?

It is important for all carers to make contingency plans with the person they care for to use in circumstances where help from other people to deliver care may be required. Depending on the circumstances, this could be from family or friends or a care provider.

A good, well thought out emergency plan will give you and the person you care for peace of mind, knowing that back up support can be put in place in case you need it. Creating an emergency plan that includes key aspects of your friend or family member’s health and care can make it easier for other people to step in if you’re not able to care for them.

Contact Shropshire Carers support line on 01743 341995 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or email: Shropshire.Carers@shropshire.gov.uk