The card scheme is simple and easy to use and has been successful in ensuring help is available quickly when it is needed. Furthermore, the card and the service covering a 72-hour period are free.

The scheme offers 24-hour emergency cover so you can be less worried about going out. You can have peace of mind that if anything happens to you while you are out or if you are suddenly taken ill at home, then we will contact your responders and ensure that the emergency plans you have agreed are put into action.

Anyone who cares for an adult family member or friend who depends on them because they are ill, disabled or frail can apply for a card. The only condition is that the person you care for should live in North Yorkshire.

The card will not have any personal details on it, so your identity and that of the person you care for are protected. The only way of identifying you is the reference number on the card, which is unique to you.

The carer's emergency card - introductory video features people who use the card explaining how it has benefited them and given them peace of mind. The video also features accompanying signed commentary. You can view the video in the 'useful downloads' section.

Registering for a carer's emergency card

You can register for the scheme by filling in a short form, available for download below. This gives us information about you and the person you care for. You also have to give the names of up to three people we can contact if there is an emergency. These people are known as responders.

We will then send you a plastic card with your unique registration number and a phone number to the customer services centre. If you telephone out of hours, this number will be redirected to Broadacres Housing Association.

How the carer's emergency card works

If you have an emergency, you can ring the number indicated on the front of the card.

We will then telephone the responders you have identified to put into action the procedures you have agreed with them. If however, we are unable to contact the responders or they are unable to act as requested, we contact social care services to arrange urgent support.

There is no charge for the service for the first 72 hours.

Your responsibilities as a holder of a carer's emergency card

• You must make sure that your named responders have agreed to the scheme and that they have signed the registration form to confirm their agreement;
• You must discuss the possible emergency plans with your responders and ensure you update them of any changes; and
• You must tell us about any changes in your circumstances and those of your named contacts, such as changes to telephone numbers and so on.

The carer's emergency card scheme is run by North Yorkshire County Council in partnership with Broadacres Housing Association.

Useful downloads Carer's emergency card [731kb] [pdf] The carer's emergency card is a plastic card, (the size of credit card) which will identify you as a carer if you have an accident or are unable to identify yourself. This leaflet provides a summary of the carer's emergency card. Carer’s emergency card - registration form [1Mb] [pdf] You can register for the carer's emergency card scheme by filling in this short form. Send the completed form to: North Yorkshire County Council, Customer Services Manager, East Block, County Hall, Northallerton DL7 8AH. Carer's emergency card - introductory video [10Mb] [video] This video introduces the carer’s emergency card and features people who use the card explaining how it has benefited them and given them peace of mind. The video also features signed commentary.     Related Pages Adult carers Carers Contacts Customer services centre (social care enquiries) Full contact details for the customer services centre, including how to call in personally, can be found below. social.care@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 0845 034 9410 Fax: 01609 532009 Full details for Customer services centre (social care enquiries) Broadacres housing association http://www.broadacres.org.uk info@broadacres.org.uk Tel: 01609 767900 Fax: 01609 777017 Full details for Broadacres housing association