Carers in Lichfield and Burntwood will be able to arrange short notice cover thanks to the launch of a new service.

The Ring and Respond service will allow people to ring with just 48 hours and arrange professional cover.

Staffordshire County Council has worked with two of its care providers to launch the pilot service across the county.

Cabinet member for Adults and Wellbeing Matthew Ellis said:

“This will be a quality service that’s fast and flexible. Ring and Respond is ready to help anyone providing regular support to a family member, friend or neighbour. As Staffordshire’s new administration, in 2009, we said it was crucial to support better the extraordinary and dedicated efforts of people who care for others, often in difficult circumstances and on a daily basis.

“Caring is at the very heart of families and communities and plays a crucial role both for individuals and wider society. We announced proposals for more flexible and responsive respite opportunities across the county and in response to carers’ feedback, I’m delighted that the brand new Ring and Respond service is now available for Staffordshire people.”

Ring and Respond offers up to 12 hours of care. People can also book up to four weeks in advance. The pilot service will run until spring 2011.

For more information visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/ringandrespond.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.