New phone system

In the last few months we have implemented a new telephony system, which we hope will enable us to better support you when you get in touch.

Moving forward, ALL calls, including from those living in Clackmannanshire, should be made to 01324 611 510. Once you call us, you will be given 4 options to pick from to access the appropriate team:

  • Option 1 – Adult Carer Support (Falkirk)
  • Option 2 – Adult Carer Support (Clackmannanshire)
  • Option 3 – Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Support
  • Option 4 – All other enquiries

If you need to call us when we’re closed, you will be given the option to leave a voicemail message. If you do, please leave you name, phone number, and reason for calling – someone will call you back as soon as possible!

 

📸 by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

Carers Week 2021 – Manager’s Report 2020-21

The last year has certainly brought about more unusual challenges than we might have expected going into 2020!

Here’s a review of what we’ve been able to carry out since the beginning of the pandemic, and the ways in which we’ve adapted to continue helping as many carers as possible!

COVID Vaccine – Update for Carers

The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland have launched a self-registration service for the COVID-19 vaccination for eligible unpaid carers who have not already been given an appointment.

You are eligible for vaccination at this stage and should register if all of the following statements apply to you:

  • You are 16 to 64 years old;
  • You provide face-to-face care and support to one or more family members, friends or neighbours;
  • The care you provide is not part of a contract or voluntary work;
  • If caring for someone under 18, they are affected by a disability, physical or mental ill-health, developmental condition or substance misuse; and
  • You have not already received your first COVID-19 vaccination or vaccination appointment letter.

To register for a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as a carer, please visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/carersregister

For more information, click here to download the FAQ

Digital Carers Card during COVID-19

Carers cards are usful tools for carers to help you be more easily identified as someone who provides care. Since the COVID-19 lockdown began, we have continued to issue Carers Cards to carers in a digital format.

Carers who would like a Carers Card, and who have not had one previously, will be issued with a digital Carers Card, specifically designed to be used on your phone for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown.

To receive a digital Carers Card, please complete the digital referral form linked below:

Click here to complete referral form

If you have previously had a Forth Valley Carers Card that has now expired, please complete the Contact Us form on our website, and ask to be emailed with a letter that can be used alongside your existing expired card.

If you are working with someone who does not have access to the internet or an email address, please ask them to contact the number below.

For further information, please contact us on 01324 611510 and leave a message, or email centre@centralcarers.co.uk.

 

Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre

Business Administrator Vacancy – January 2021

We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated applicants who can demonstrate the ability to use their own initiative and a commitment to teamwork to join us as a Business Administrator!

The post-holder will be responsible for the provision of office, administration, HR and finance support for the organisation.ย  To achieve this, the post requires candidates who are proficient in using Microsoft Word and Excel.ย  In addition, previous experience of using SAGE, or a similar accounting package, would be advantageous.

For more information about this post, please visit our Vacancies page!

Mask exemption card for carers

The Scottish Government has produced a face covering exemption card, to support those who are unable to wear one to feel more confident and safe when accessing public spaces and using public services.

The face covering exemption card is branded with the Healthier Scotland and NHS Scotland logos under the FACTS for a Safer Scotland campaign.

A physical card can be requested from Disability Equality Scotland to wear on a lanyard or hold in a wallet, while a digital card is also available to be displayed on a phone, tablet or other device.

Physical and digital cards are available to request online from 29 October at www.exempt.scot or via a free helpline on 0800 121 6240.

Carers and PPE

Carers and PPE

Carers who normally provide personal care (help with washing or dressing) to a family member or friend who has a long-term illness or disability should continue to use PPE if they normally use, accessed through their normal supply route.

NO ADDITIONAL PPE IS REQUIRED UNLESS THE CARER OR THE CARED-FOR PERSON IS IN THE SHIELDING CATEGORY or HAS SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19.

If a carer provides personal care but cannot access PPE through their normal support route, they may be eligible to receive PPE from their local authority via a local Hub, if:

  • The carer and/or the cared-for person:
    • has symptoms of Covid-19 (and alternative care cannot be provided)
    • is in the shielding category
    • is over 70
  • The carer works outside the home
  • The cared-for person has an underlying condition

If you are a carer and you think the above applies to your situation, please contact the Carers Centre on 01324 611510 or email centre@centralcarers.co.uk for further information or to discuss your requirements.

Information and advice for carers providing personal care is available on the Scottish Government website using the link below:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-unpaid-carers-providing-personal-care/

 

Image byย leo2014ย fromย Pixabay.

Carers Card โ€“ COVID-19 update

Since the COVID-19 lockdown began, we have been inundated with requests for Carers Cards. Normally, our personalised credit card style Forth Valley Carers Cards are produced at the Carers Centre and posted out to carers, however, this is no longer an option with staff working from home.

We recognise the benefits that having a Carers Card can bring at this time, and so we have been working hard behind the scenes to develop an alternative to the physical card.

Carers who would like a Carers Card, and who have not had one previously, will now be issued with a digital Carers Card, specifically designed to be used on your phone for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown.

To receive a digital Carers Card, please complete the digital referral form linked below:

Click here to complete referral form

If you have previously had a Forth Valley Carers Card that has now expired, please complete the Contact Us form on our website, and ask to be emailed with a letter that can be used alongside your existing expired card.

If you are working with someone who does not have access to the internet or an email address, please ask them to contact the number below.

For further information, please contact us on 01324 611510 and leave a message, or email centre@centralcarers.co.uk.

 

Carers Centre Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) – IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Carers Centre is now closed in line with Government guidance in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is to minimise the risk to members of the public and to our staff.

We will continue to provide information and support to carers by telephone or email. For help and advice, please call and leave a message and someone will call you back:

01324 611510

or email:

centre@centralcarers.org.

Information will also be available from our website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

For help and advice from the Citizen Advice Bureau Benefits Adviser, please call:

01324 626070

or email:

bureau@falkirkcab.casonline.org.uk.

Telephone calls and emails to CAB will be answered during office hours.

We will continue to monitor government advice and will keep our service under continual review until the Coronavirus threat subsides. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Image byย Clker-Free-Vector-Imagesย fromย Pixabay

F&C Carers Centre COVID-19 update

Please note:

In light of the recent COVIDใƒผ19 outbreak, ALL Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre organised activities, including groups and face-to-face support, are postponed until further notice.

We will provide further information and updates in the coming days.

 

Image byย mohamed Hassanย fromย Pixabay.