Rutland County Council has launched a Carers Passport campaign in conjunction with Leicester and Leicestershire to support carers across the county.

The Carers Passport is an emergency ID card which will enable carers to access a range of services and act as a valuable identification document in emergencies.

It will be recognised across Rutland, Leicester and Leicestershire and aid carers in going about their daily tasks. The free ID card is available as a wallet sized card or downloadable onto smartphones.

The card will enable carers to access supermarkets and shops in the vulnerable time slots, visit their patients in care facilities or private homes easier and collect necessities such as medicines or essentials which often involves multiple trips by acting as an easily recognisable ID card.

Businesses, emergency services and shops across Rutland are aware of the Carers Passport and are fully behind the incentive to help support our Carers in going about their vital work during the pandemic.

Coun Alan Walters, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: "We are very pleased that this campaign is now launched providing support to our carers across Rutland. We recognise the difficulties that Carers face daily, which has only intensified during the pandemic.

"Prior to the launch of the Carers Passport our carers had no way of showing proof of who they were which meant that they couldn't access shops during vulnerable hours and were facing challenges from accessing shops multiple times in a day.

"This ID card is a way of recognising the vital work our carers provide and will enable them to go about their daily tasks easier."

Carers that are registered at Support for Carers will receive the passport in the post, or they can contact the carers team at Rutland County Council on 01572 722577 or [email protected].

Further details on the Carers Passport can be viewed online here: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-services/health-and-family/adult-social-care/carers/carers-passport/