WHEN Commissioner Gordon needed Gotham City’s protector, he would fire up the Bat signal. But Berkshire residents in need of help just need to pick up the phone.
From Monday, June 3, there will be a new freephone number to call for anyone who needs help and support with caring for another person.
The number – 0800 1337851 – will be staffed by trained volunteers who can offer support and information to anyone who is looking after someone, be their a registered carer or carrying out ordinary responsibilities as a friend or family member.
The scheme is being launched by East Berkshire and Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), together with Signal4Carers.
They say that safeguarding adult reviews across Berkshire identified a need for more proactive awareness to support those people who maybe looking after someone. These people are often unregistered carers, and may not be aware of what support is available to aid them in their role. In a joint statement, Debbie Hartrick, associate director for safeguarding at East Berkshire CCG and Kathy Kelly, designated head of safeguarding adults for Berkshire West CCG, said: “We are delighted to be part of this campaign.
“It is so important that people who are looking after a family member, friend or anyone in a caring role, know how to seek support when they need it.
“We hope this campaign will raise awareness across our communities and would like to thank our local partnerships, including the Safeguarding Adult Board Partners and NHS England; the support and enthusiasm helped us get this project from an idea to concrete action.”
Mark Sanders, from Signal4Carers, added: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to host the pilot Freephone number to try and find carers who may need a small amount of support or advice when caring for a relative or friend in the community.
“It is important for them to feel supported, as caring for someone can be a stressful time for the family.”
The Freephone number – 0800 1337851 – is open from 10am to 4pm weekdays, with a message facility for evenings and weekends.
