Devon Carers at Westbank marks Carers Week with a host of events and a new book to support unpaid carers
Devon Carers at Westbank, the service which currently supports almost 34,000 adult unpaid carers across the county, has lined up a full programme of events throughout Carers Week this June and will be launching a new book for carers called “Give Me A Break”. Produced by local health and wellbeing charity Westbank Community Health and Care, the book is full of hints, tips and ideas to help unpaid carers take time out from their caring role, regardless of whether they can spare fifteen minutes, half an hour or longer.
The publication will be available during Carers Week from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th June. The theme of the book chimes with the theme chosen by the national charity Carers UK for this year’s Carers Week: ‘Caring about Equality’.
Andy Hood, Head of Carers Services at Westbank Community Health and Care, says, “Because carers are occupied with looking after the person they care for, they often neglect their own wellbeing and their health suffers as a result. The inequality of poorer health is something we have decided to focus on this year and we’ll be providing a wealth of information and wellbeing activities, alongside our new book, to show carers what they can do to look after themselves, mentally and physically. Our offering this year includes interactive workshops, a one-day conference, and information stands to update carers on the support and advice available to them and help them cope with the everyday stresses of their caring role.
“Devon is a huge and largely rural county, which presents its own problems for carers, particularly in small villages and hamlets with no or minimal facilities and public transport options. Carers in these communities often feel extremely lonely and isolated, so we try very hard to reach as many parts of the county as possible, during Carers Week and throughout the year. We also provide Peer Support Groups, in-person and online, to help them connect with other carers in a similar situation’.
During last year’s Carers Week, Devon Carers launched a Carer Friendly Conference for professionals who work with and alongside unpaid carers. It was such a success that a second one is being held this year, however, the day will be split into two sessions so that carers can be invited along too. It’s a great opportunity to wander around information stands, talk to various professionals and join in with a range of free wellbeing activities.
The Carer Friendly Conference will be held on Tuesday 10th June at Westbank’s Healthy Living Centre in Exminster - the morning session is for professionals and the afternoon session is for carers. The conference costs nothing to attend but must be pre-booked as spaces are limited. Bookable sessions for carers include a guided sensory meditation with a nature and forest therapy guide, learning how to relax with breathing exercises, and a workshop on how journaling can help improve your mental health with tips from Matt Young ‘The Journaling Guy.’ There will also be drop-in sessions where carers can join a Peer Support Group and check out Westbank’s Community Cookery School.
Devon Carers offers a great deal of knowledge and information and provides support that’s tailored to individual needs. Andy adds, “We hope as many carers as possible will come along to our stands and sign up for our conference in Exminster to find out what support is available to make their lives easier every week of the year, not just during Carers Week”.
Devon Carers’ current contract has been extended until 2028. This extension provides the service with greater security to plan ahead for at least the next three years, enabling a real difference to be made for unpaid carers and accommodating the growing demand for support.
To find about Devon Carers’ full programme of events during Carers Week and book a place at the Carer Friendly Conference, go to devoncarers.org.uk
