An incredible 19 million people in the UK have provided unpaid care – but haven’t identified as a carer

A recent report Carers UK – ‘I Care,: Carers Week Report on Unpaid Carer Identification‘ has shown that most Carers simply see themselves as a parent, partner or friend.

  • 29% of people who did identify or call themselves a carer took up to 1 year to do so, with another 29% taking over a year. This suggests it may take people some time to understand what support they may be entitled to
  • The most common way in which people realised they were a carer was through the help of a family member or friend (29%). 22% said that a healthcare professional identified them as a carer. 11% said that a carer organisation or charity identified them as a carer.

Recognising yourself as a Carer (even if you don’t like this label) is the first step to seeking support. Do you carry out any of the following activities for someone who relies on you because of illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction:

  • Pick up food/ shopping/ medication for someone
  • Make regular check-in calls
  • Support someone with physical or practical needs
  • Help with their housework or chores
  • Take someone to / or make appointments
  • Support someone with their bills or correspondence
  • Keep someone company or watch over them
  • Provide emotional support.

If you do any of the above, it’s important to find your local Carer Support Service so that you can access all of the necessary support. We provide support for Carers living in Birmingham, Walsall and Dorset.

Carer Identification
Our verified Carer Friendly Photo ID Card, visibly shows that you are a carer so that confidential paperwork does not need to be carried around. It also saves having to explain that you are a carer and potentially making the person that you care for feel uncomfortable.

In Case of an Emergency
our card is printed with your ICE (in case of emergency details) on the back and comes with free access to our What If guide. In the event something prevents you from carrying out your caring role, the person who steps in will know exactly what to do. That’s peace of mind for you and the person you care for. 

Access to Discounts
Your card can also be used to gain access to benefits or discounts at local and national businesses who recognise it – our list of partners is growing. We’re also an affiliate partner of a major retailer who offers a wide range of online offers and deals for Carers, that you can access.

Exclusive Online Support
As a Carer Friendly Card holder, you will get exclusive free access to the Carer Friendly Community online and a wide range of free online support, including daily groups, free and discounted webinars and events, information and advice and top tips and toolkits. 

Our Carer Friendly Photo ID Card is provided free of charge if you live in Dorset as it is funded by Dorset Council and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council. Find out more here. Otherwise, it can be purchased online here.

Prices
For the physical and digital photo ID card, it is currently on sale for £9.50 (normal price is £15.00). The card is vaild for two years so that less than £5 per year! You can take advantage of this offer here.

If you would like to buy a bundle, that includes the physical card, lanyard and card holder, it is currently on sale for £19.50 instead of the normal price of £25.00