A new Carer Passport which launched on 16 October 2018 will support thousands of unpaid Carers to recognise and be recognised for their valuable contribution to the Inverclyde community.

The new initiative, made possible by support from local businesses, will provide discounts and benefits to the army of unpaid Carers that look after family and friends, who could not manage alone due to illness, disability, addiction or frailty.

Developed by Inverclyde Carers Centre and funded by Inverclyde HSCP, the initiative has gained support from businesses across Inverclyde ranging from Willow Café in Kilmacolm to Treasured Gift Shop in Gourock and many others in between.

Supporting businesses will be easily recognised as displaying the Inverclyde Carers Centre logo and their contributions will be shown on the Inverclyde Carers Centre website.

Lorna MacDonald, Manager of Inverclyde Carers Centre said:

“Looking after a loved one can bring a sense of purpose and pride however it often takes its toll on the Carers own health, whether physically or emotionally. We hope this project will make it easier for Carers to combine caring responsibilities whilst retaining a life outside caring.” 

“Inverclyde’s Carer and Young Carer Strategy 2017-2022 was developed in full recognition of the role and contribution Carers make, not only to the person they support but also the contribution they make to the Inverclyde Community.

“As a community, our support and appreciation for Carers and Young Carers in Inverclyde is fundamental to ensuring that those in need of care receive it when required. This ethos, we believe should filter right to the heart of our community.” 

To find out more about taking part in the initiative Carers and supporters should contact the Centre in Cathcart Street on 01475 735180.

64 corporate supporters have registered to date, offering goods and services that are of particular value to Carers wishing to enjoy a break from their stressful role or receive help towards the cost of caring, including leisure and holiday facilities, therapists, boutiques and cafés.

Most supporters are local businesses but occasionally there are offers that extend nationwide, for example, Optical Express accept the Inverclyde Carer Passport in their stores across the UK.

The focus of this initiative is to improve Carers’ quality of life but some offers have been extended to include the cared-for person(s).

With specific regard to Taste Inverclyde, the following restaurants, cafés and bars are supporting the Passport initiative:

1. 134 Steakhouse
2. Allan McShane Family Butcher
3. Auchmountain Community Resource Centre Café
4. Baguette & Co
5. Broomhill Gardens and Community Hub Café
6. Custom House Hotel
7. Fresh
8. Maitland’s Butcher
9. My Kitchen Restaurant
10. Orangefield Cafe
11. The Cardwell Inn
12. The Cargill Café
13. The Cottage Coffee Shop
14. Three Sisters Bake
15. Tokyo Joe
16. Tontine Hotel
17. Watson’s Craft Butchers
18. White Hats
19. Colin Love Fishmonger 
20. Fenwick 47
21. Duncan MacKenzie Ltd – Craft Butcher

The Passport card is free and available to anyone registered with the Inverclyde Carers Centre. Registered Carers should visit the offices in Cathcart Street or speak to a member of staff in locations across the Inverclyde Council area.

All users will require to have their photograph taken and the card will be available to collect within one week. Alternatively, users can provide a passport photograph of their own.

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Article by Taste Inverclyde