Aster Group offers free support services for unpaid carers on Carers Rights Day

Telecare provider Connected Living, part of local housing association Aster Group, has joined other organisations in Wimborne Minster on Carers Rights Day today as part of an event to celebrate the valuable work unpaid carers do.

Connected Living is also offering free installation and the first four months of its At Home Package for free, to any unpaid carers living in Dorset, thanks to a partnership with local support charity, The Leonardo Trust.  

With a range of digital alarms, fall detectors and personal safety devices, Connected Living services help people to stay independent for longer and living at home.

The free event, run by PramaLife, takes place today at Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. The Connected Living team are on hand to talk to carers alongside other local services and voluntary groups that help unpaid carers carry out their vital role.

The Leonardo Trust was set up in 2001 to help people in Dorset who are voluntary carers for sick or disabled relatives or friends. Donna Blanche, Leonardo Trust Charity Manager, said "We’re delighted to be working with Connected Living in providing alarms for unpaid carers. We very much hope that this service will improve the safety and wellbeing of those they care for and give carers peace of mind."

Kerry Appleton, Head of Connected Living at Aster Group, said: “There are over 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK and so we’re thrilled to be celebrating Carers Rights Day because we believe that both people receiving care and those providing this vital service deserve to be treated with respect.

“Carers often need time and support themselves, due to the demands of caring for their own loved ones and we know that they worry about what might happen to their loved one if they themselves were to fall ill – that’s where our services can provide an extra level of reassurance.

“We’re proud to meet unpaid carers living here and in the wider Dorset community and showcase how we can support them.”

If you’re a carer you can take advantage of the free installation and first four months free access to the At Home Package by completing the application form here: Home Alertlines 4 Carers – The Leonardo Trust

To find out more about Connected Living, call 0333 400 8299 or visit www.aster.co.uk/connected-living.