So Long Farewell to Peter and Julie
Peter and Julie England have worked tirelessly across Dorset for over 10 years on behalf of unpaid Carers. They have delivered the Carers Card in Dorset and achieved the best value for unpaid Carers so that they are acknowledged and valued by their community.
The time has come when Peter and Julie have decided that their priorities must change, they need more time to care for family members as well as themselves. The couple said, “Although we will miss you, we feel confident that you will be in safe hands with the new card provider, Forward Carers.”
Forward Carers is an award-winning not-for-profit, community interest company that has supported Carers to live fulfilling lives since 2014. Forward Carers’ mission is to create Carer Friendly Communities where everyone can play a part in improving Carer wellbeing.
Eliza Atyeo, Carers Commissioning Officer for BCP Council said.
“On behalf of Dorset Council and BCP Council, we would like to extend our thanks to Julie and Peter England at Worldwide Procurement Services UK Ltd (WWPS), who successfully managed the Dorset Carers Card. Julie, Peter, and their team grew an extensive directory of discounts and concessions across the county that encourage and enable Carers to lead fulfilling lives, take a break and enjoy time away from the caring role.”
What will the change mean for Carers?
In partnership with Dorset Council and BCP Council; Carers in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will still be able to access the existing discounts and offers through Forward Carers. Carers in Dorset can continue to use their existing Carers Card until the date on it has expired. As your card expiry date is approaching, please contact your local carer support service to let them know, they will then send you a link to apply for the Carer Friendly ID Card.
Any Carers that are registered with Dorset Council (Carer Support Dorset) or BCP Council (CRISP Carers Support Services) in 2023 will receive a new Carer Friendly ID Card. All cardholders will have access to a new dedicated website (www.dorsetcarerscard.org.uk) hosting a range of discounts and offers available across the county. Peter and Julie’s Facebook page (@mycarerscard) and Twitter page (@MyCarersCard) will also transfer across and be managed by Forward Carers.
Who to contact?
Forward Carers has recruited a new Project Manager, Rachel Close who lives in Dorset. Rachel will lead on the implementation of the Carer Friendly ID Card for Carers in Dorset and build relationships with local businesses and organisations to create meaningful offers and discounts to Carer Cardholders. Rachel will work in partnership with the local authorities, community Carer services and groups to ensure Carers can access the scheme.
Rachel works part time and can be reached via email Rachel.close@forwardcarers.org.uk or by calling 07572790211. On Rachel’s non-working days, contact carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk.
What will the change mean for businesses?
To ensure the continuity of the service, current discounts offered through the Dorset Carers Card will be transferred over to Forward Carers and added to the directory of offers on the new website (www.dorsetcarerscard.org.uk). Businesses are advised to check that their details are correct and notify Forward Carers of any changes or updates. Rachel will be in contact with registered businesses to introduce herself and distribute your new Carer Friendly business window sticker. Thank you to Peter and Julie for leaving us with a great legacy to build on and we wish you all the very best for the future.