PERSONAL assistants can now request free personal protective equipment from Dorset Council.

A scheme to provide personal assistants with PPE was launched at the beginning of the week, following the successful roll out of a similar scheme to support unpaid carers in the Dorset Council area.

Personal assistants can apply for free PPE is they are directly employed by an individual (or self-employed) to provide care and support to help them to live as independently as possible, the care they provide means they come within two metres of an adult over the age of 18 that they support, or they offer support in the home, or help someone to go out into the community.

Councillor Simon Gibson, cabinet lead member for care at Dorset Council, said: "It's great we can extend the offer of free PPE to personal assistants who, like other care workers and unpaid carers, do vitally important work in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents."

To request PPE, call 01305 221000 or visit