HUNDREDS of unpaid carers across Glasgow have been helped to draw up emergency plans in case they get ill and are unable to look after their loved ones.

The city’s Health and Social Care Partnership is encouraging carers to plan ahead to ensure alternative arrangements can be put in place quickly, if needed.

During lockdown, almost 600 carers were helped via phone by Glasgow Carers Service. The plans offer peace of mind and essential information for organisations which would step in to assist in an emergency.

Councillor Mhairi Hunter said: “Unpaid carers play a hugely significant role in society and this has become even more evident since the pandemic began.

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“Carers’ dedication to their loved ones is humbling, but it is equally important that they find time to look after themselves and making an emergency plan could be a weight off your mind.

“As a carer myself, I know that planning ahead and having a plan B is crucial to ensuring things run as smoothly as possible.

“Carers have a legal right to an emergency plan. They are not new, they were around before the pandemic, but in these uncertain times, it has never been so important to prepare one."

If you are an unpaid carer in Glasgow and want to find out more you can call the Carers Information Line on 0141 353 6504.