UNPAID carers in Crewe who do not live with the person they care for are to receive free personal protective equipment (PPE).

Cheshire East Council has linked up with Vivo Carers Choices and Cheshire Carers Hub to provide the PPE for those carers who do not live in the same household as the person they are caring for.

An unpaid carer can be anyone of any age who cares unpaid for a friend or family member, who due to a condition, illness, disability or addiction.

The PPE is being distributed from various contact points in Cheshire East as well as at hubs in Northwich, Winsford and Ellesmere Port.

The scheme will operate on an order and collect service and the "extra resident carers" can contact the Cheshire Carers Hub by telephone (or email) to arrange to pick up a pre-prepared PPE pack containing masks, gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser from their nearest collection point.

For those carers who are unable to physically travel to any of the distribution hubs a limited delivery service will also operate.

Cllr Laura Jeuda, Cheshire East Council's portfolio holder for adult social care and health said: "This is very welcome news and will help to keep extra-resident carers safe while they undertake such a commendable role.

"This will also protect the residents themselves, many of whom are extremely vulnerable so need all the levels of defence possible from the virus."

It is not currently recommended that you wear PPE when caring for someone you live with unless advised to by a healthcare professional.

You can ring 0300 123 5035 to arrange a PPE collection at which all social distancing guidelines must be followed.