The pair met 15 years ago. Lorraine has learning difficulties, mental health problems and glaucoma making it unsafe for her to be alone. As well as being a selfless and devoted husband, Jimmy has helped to create a clever new back-up card that aims to give the borough’s army of carers a vitial link to the support they need. Jimmy, who is a volunteer for the Carers’ Support Team, was asked to help develop and design the new Carers’ Emergency Card. The card fits in your purse or wallet like a credit or bank card, but on it is the contact number carers need most. When an emergency call is made to the scheme, the operator will look at the emergency plan – which is tailored to their individual needs – and will put the plan into action.
Jimmy explained: “It’s a marvellous idea and fits in your wallet, so it’s easy to carry at all times. I would encourage every carer to sign up and get their own card.”
You can find out more about the Carers’ Emergency Card by calling the council's Carers' Support Team on 01942 705 983.
Help’s at hand for unsung heroes
Wigan is a caring borough. In fact more than 47,000 people look after a relative, friend or neighbour who, due to physical or mental illness, cannot manage at home without their help.
The council and its partners are committed to supporting the borough’s army of carers and that’s why, later this month, we’ll be launching a brand new centre dedicated to their needs.
The Carers’ Centre on Frederick Street, Hindley, is a £200,000 one-stop shop which provides information, advice, guidance and much more.
The centre will be open weekdays from 9am until 5pm and offers free internet access.
Carers will be invited to join in social events, relaxation sessions, health checks, eye tests, flower arranging and the latest craze to sweep the nation – the Wii Fit Club.
The Borough’s Carers’ Groups can book meeting rooms at discounted rates.
Wigan Council’s Director of Health and Well-being, Bernard Walker, said: “Carers really are unsung heroes. They are special people who selflessly give up their time to look after others and it’s fair to say that our borough would struggle to cope without them.
“We recognise carers do need help and we have worked with the Carers Forum over recent years to develop this new Centre.
“With one in six people in our borough being a carer, we predict this exciting new facility will be well-used.”
The Wigan Borough Carers’ Centre opens for business at the start of Carers Week on Monday 14 June. For more information call 01942 705 959.
‘Info’ at your fingertips
Wigan’s new Carer’s directory is full of useful information about local community care services, benefits and health issues. It lists contact details of organisations, both national and local, that provide help and support. Carer’s can also access this online Wigan Carers and clicking on the Carers Information Directory.
