If you are a carer, we can help with…
Emergency back up plans
If you’re concerned about what would happen to the person you care for in the event of an emergency, an emergency backup plan could be helpful. This plan is designed to provide peace of mind by gathering information about who to contact in an emergency and identifying the support the person you care for would need if you were unavailable.
Below are some of the resources that can help you plan for an emergency, including a carers conversation form and campaigns such as ‘the Herbert protocol’ and ‘Lions Club message in a bottle’.
If you would like more information or wish to complete a plan, please contact our office. If you already have a plan but feel it needs updating, we encourage you to reach out as well.
If you are a carer for someone aged 18 or older, you are eligible to complete a Carers Conversation Form. This form, currently being tested as an alternative to the Carers Needs Assessment form, will assess how your caregiving role affects different aspects of your life. A feedback form is included for you to share your thoughts on this new assessment approach. The assessment can be completed independently or with support from a Social Worker or a member of our team. It aims to identify support options available to you, including information and advice, assistance for the person you care for, or possibly a carer’s personal budget.
A carer’s personal budget is provided by the council to help address an unmet need of a carer. It can be used to fund support such as a short break, assistance with accessing social and leisure activities, health and wellbeing treatments, and educational courses. If you would like to complete a Carers Conversation Form, please contact our office to discuss.
Alongside this service, we offer carers a ‘Message in a Bottle’ — a simple way to share medical information and caring responsibilities in an emergency. Just request a bottle from our office, complete the form inside, and store it in your fridge, where emergency services will know to look.
The Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle program is a straightforward yet effective method for individuals to store their essential personal and medical information in a designated place that is easily accessible during an emergency—right in the fridge.
Message in a Bottle (known within Lions as MIAB) helps emergency services save valuable time in identifying an individual and can provide vital information such as allergies and medications they are taking.
Paramedics, police, firefighters, and social services support this life-saving initiative and know to look in the fridge when they see the Message in a Bottle sticker included in the kit. This program provides peace of mind, ensuring that prompt and appropriate medical assistance can be provided and that next of kin or emergency contacts can be notified.
For more information visit: Message in a Bottle – Providing Lifesaving Information from Lions Clubs British Isles
The Herbert Protocol is an initiative introduced by West Yorkshire Police and other agencies, encouraging caregivers to compile useful information that could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. For more information on the Herbert Protocol, visit: The Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form | West Yorkshire Police.
Health and wellbeing
Being a carer brings numerous emotional and physical challenges, often requiring long hours, patience, and significant mental energy. With so much of yourself devoted to looking after someone else, it’s easy to overlook your own needs and wellbeing.
Taking care of your own health and wellbeing may not always feel like a priority but remember—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
We are here to support you every step of the way, whether through offering guidance or providing opportunities to join our groups with other carers who understand what you’re going through
Groups – carers
Dedicating all of your spare time to looking after a loved one can be quite isolating. Even with a network of friends, family, and colleagues, it can sometimes still feel as though you’re alone on your caregiving journey. Taking a bit of time for yourself by joining a group can bring fresh conversation and support your mental health. Many carers find it helpful to share their experiences with others in similar situations, and it can be a real weight off your shoulders to talk openly with likeminded carers who understand.
Going to a group for the first time can be daunting, so please get in touch if you would like support with this.
Groups – carers and cared for
We also offer a variety of groups and activities where you can bring the person you care for. These sessions provide both of you with a change of scenery and the chance to connect with others in similar situations. For carers, this can mean a valuable break from daily responsibilities and an opportunity to recharge, while your loved one benefits from social interaction and enjoyable activities in a supportive environment. Together, these groups can be a source of companionship, relief, and a bit of respite for you both.
To find out more about our groups, visit our what’s on page
For more information, please contact us using our contact form.
