Support offered to Peterborough carers during crisis

Managed and operated by redeployed Council staff and volunteers, the ‘Countywide COVID-19 Coordination Hub’ have been supporting carers and the most vulnerable members of society, helping with access to food, deliveries and medication, signposting to professional services, arranging a friendly phone call and offering a point of contact should any needs arise – all with the aim to help people protect themselves from the risks associated with Coronavirus.

Those working and volunteering in the hub are speaking to carers young and old every day, from all walks of life, including one man, Mr F, who was finding it increasingly difficult to care for his beloved wife during the lockdown.

Mr F, himself in his 80s and recovering from throat cancer, is a full-time carer for his wife, who is disabled and unable to leave the house. He was having to make essential trips for food and medication, meaning he was having to leave his wife alone at home for prolonged periods.

Having experienced some issues he was becoming more and more reluctant to visit the shops, but with a lack of any available online delivery slots and not being classed a priority, he was left with no choice but to continue making the trips.

Mr F was contacted by the Council and referred to the Coordination Hub, and the couple are now receiving support with food deliveries and medication.

Mr F said: “I can still get about to a degree so I wasn’t expecting a call from the Council - but I’m so glad they got in touch. I don’t like leaving my wife home on her own, and the last time I went to the supermarket a young man pushed me out of the way and demanded he was let in before me. It did make me a bit nervous about being out on my own, but there was nothing else I could do as I should be self-isolating.

“The lady from the Council was brilliant. My wife and I now have online slots with two supermarkets, and we’ve received a food bundle that was just great. They are also helping pick up our medication. It may sound like a simple thing to some people, but I can’t tell you how much it means to us, just knowing that someone is looking out for us and there if we need them.

“It helps us feel safe and gives us back time with each other, and also means I can work on my photos before my next amateur photography competition. I’ve no idea though how to make a photo of my fridge exciting. I don’t even think the Council could help with that.”

Helen Duncan, Head of Adult Safeguarding at Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, said: “The number of people taking on caring responsibilities nationally and locally is growing faster than ever, and this has only been heightened by the coronavirus lockdown, this year national carers week is focusing on making caring visible. We support carers from all walks of life, young and old, and often they don’t give themselves enough credit for the incredible work they do for others. Being a carer is rewarding, but it is difficult. We want carers to know you are not alone. Through the Council’s and our partners there is a lot of help out there for you, so please get in touch.”