Carers Identity Passport Information

These frequently asked questions have been produced from the questions received at the launch of the Carers Identity Passport and through our contact with Carers and practitioners working in healthcare settings.

What is the Carers Identity Passport

Unpaid Carers have told us they want to be recognised in their caring role. Carers Voice has co-produced the Carers Identity Passport with Carers and staff working across health and social care, to ensure unpaid Carers are identified and recognised. The Carers Identity Passport is for all age Carers, including Young Carers and Parent Carers, in Norfolk and Waveney.

It is available in both digital and physical forms. The digital version is an image you can save on your phone and the physical Carers Identity Passport takes the form of a card and lanyard that can be worn.

The Carers Identity Passport is for identification purposes only. It provides Carers with a simple way to be recognised by education, health and social care staff without needing to repeatedly explain their role and also acts a as a conversation starter.

Where is the Carers Identity Passport currently recognised?

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals
James Paget University Hospital
Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn
GP’s within Norfolk & Waveney
Schools & Colleges
Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust
Norfolk Community Health & Care Trust
East Coast Community Healthcare

It is also recognised by:

Social Prescribers
Dentists
Optometrists
Pharmacists
Occupational Therapists

I live on the border of Norfolk & Suffolk, will the Carers Identity Passport be recognised in Suffolk?

We are working with organisations in Suffolk to ensure the our Carers Identity Passport is recognised within their area. The development of a Carers Identity Passport for people living in Suffolk is included within the Suffolk All Age Carers Strategy.

What about Carers Passports and support for Carers that already exists in Hospitals?

The Carers Identity Passport will help to ensure Carers are recognised and linked in with existing support available in hospitals. For more information about this, please visit improvinglivesnw.org.uk/carers

Is there a Carers Identity Passport for Young Carers?

Yes. Carers Voice have worked in co-production with Young Carers Matter and Norfolk County Council to co-produce a tailored version of the Carers Identity Passport for Young Carers. The front of the Carers Identity Passport looks the same, however the back of the Carers Identity Passport for Young Carers will include four images which Young Carers can use to communicate their requirements discreetly, within an education setting. The QR code on the back of the Carers Identity Passport for Young Carers will also link to information relevant to Young Carers. To see what the back of the Carers Identity Passport for Young Carers looks like, please Click Here.

How long does it take for the Carers Identity Passport to arrive?

If you have requested a digital Carers Identity Passport, you should receive this within five working days of completing the registration form. If you have requested the postal option, you will receive the Carers Identity Passport within ten working days via Royal Mail. However, if you are in need of the Carers Identity Passport urgently, please contact us by emailing carersidentitypassport@carersvoice.org or calling 07932 095312 and we will help as much as possible.

Is the Carers Identity Passport posted with a card holder and lanyard?

Carers Voice can provide a lanyard and card holder for your Carers Identity Passport. These are available for a suggested donation of £4. If you wish to do so, please Click Here to make a donation. Please ensure you add your name to the donation so we know who it has been made by and then email us to confirm. If you would find it difficult to donate, please do contact us and we will look at supporting you with the cost of this and offer information and advice which may benefit you during these times of high living costs. Due to specific targeted funding, Young Carers Identity Passports currently are sent with a lanyard and card holder.

Are there any plans for the Carers Identity Passport to be recognised more widely?

Unpaid Carers told us their priority was ensuring they are identified and recognised across healthcare settings, so this is where we started. We will continue to work to ensure the Carers Identity Passport is recognised widely across Norfolk, Waveney and border areas.

What details are requested when registering for a Carers Identity Passport?

We have tried to keep the form as simple as possible. We ask for your basic details including: email address, name, address, and locality. You will also be asked to confirm your caring status from the following list: Carer over 18 caring for an adult, Carer over 18 caring for a child (under 18), Carer under 18 caring for an adult, and Carer under 18 caring for a child (under 18).

What about the Carers Emergency Card?

The Carers Emergency card is issued by Norfolk County Council. More information can be found at: norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/get-help-with-looking-after-someone/prepare-for-emergencies/emergency-carers-card

The key fob you get with the Carers Emergency Card can be attached to your Carers Identity Passport lanyard if you choose.

If you are a Carer living in Waveney, please visit https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults/caring-for-someone/family-carers-emergency-plan for information about Emergency Planning,