Find out about the free support available for unpaid carers in Torbay

Does someone rely on you? Do you help someone with shopping or meals, attending appointments with them, or just making sure that they are alright?

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a drop-in week for anyone who would like to find out more about the Torbay Carers Service. The drop in week is being held from Monday 16April – Friday 20 April (10am – 3pm) in the following centres:

·         Paignton Carers Centre – Paignton Library
·         Brixham Carers Centre (Closed on Wednesday)
·         Olive Carers Centre – St. Edmunds Torquay

It is estimated that there are 17,000 Carers in Torbay, but only 4,000 are registered with the service. Many people do not see themselves as a ‘carer’ or know about the free support available to them. The drop-in events provide a great opportunity to encourage unpaid carers who aren’t known to the Trust to come forward and find out how the teams can support them.

Being registered as unpaid carer with the Carers Service opens up a wide range of support. This includes free parking at local hospitals when attending with the cared for person, free courses, a discount scheme, health and wellbeing checks, a Carers Emergency Card, Carers Week events in June and more!

Natalie Townsend, Carer Services Coordinator, said: “I’m a Carer for my mum and even I have only recently registered, so I understand why individuals might not see themselves as a Carer.

“If it’s your husband or wife, sibling or parent, then you feel that it’s part of your role, but if the help and support you provide is starting to impact other areas of your life – then you ultimately need some form of support.”

If you are an unpaid Carer in Torbay and would like to find out what support is available to you, please visit at one of our centres from the 16 – 20April, or call (01803) 666620 for more information, or we can organise an appointment if these times are not suitable. Visit www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/carers