February 4th, 2013 shropshirelive.com

The Carers Support Service of Shropshire Rural Community Council is launching a new scheme to support unpaid family carers in the county.

Called the ‘ICare Card’, the scheme is appealing for local businesses, both large and small, to offer a discount and other benefits to the thousands of carers in Shropshire.

Julie Alanthwaite of Shropshire RCC said: “This unseen army of carers struggle to cope not only with the pressure of caring for a friend or loved one, but also with the cost involved, so any help provided by local businesses can make a big difference.

“The government carers allowance scheme for somebody doing around 35 hours a week amounts to no more than just £1.67 per hour, which is significantly lower than the minimum wage.”

The first business to sign up to the scheme was Cineworld in Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury and general manager Madeline Brine commented: “We like to be involved with community projects and this one is a very worthwhile cause indeed, so we are delighted to offer a ‘two for one’ deal and look forward to welcoming carers and their friends.”

Welcoming the new cinema deal are carers Graham and Shirley Succamore, of Sundorne, in Shrewsbury, who said: “This is a great idea and we will probably use it at least once a week, as we are big fans of horror and mystery films.”

Diane Cuff, head of family carers and community wellbeing at Shropshire RCC added: “We are very pleased with the response from local businesses so far, but still need many more to join the ICare Card scheme and increase the local support for carers.

“Being able to take a short break to the cinema with a friend is a big help to carers, but we are also looking for discounts from all trades, and have received offers from butchers, hairdressers, fast-food outlets and health food shops, all of whom have benefitted themselves by encouraging more potential customers.”

Participating businesses will be provided with an information pack and an ICare Scheme sign for their windows, and carers with have their own photo ID cards.

Businesses interested in joining the scheme should contact the carers Support Line on 01743 341995.

http://www.shropshirelive.com/2013/02/04/icare-card-sheme-launches-for-shropshire-carers/