Today marks the start of Carers’ Week 2023, when unpaid carers are recognised for the support they offer loved ones every day.

This year’s theme is recognising and supporting carers in the community and the first step is recognising the family, friends and neighbours who support someone with any disability, long-term illness or health condition, sensory, drug, alcohol or mental health issue, or who is frail and vulnerable.

There is lots of help available for these carers throughout Torbay and events happening this week and in the coming weeks for carers who need further help and advice.

A number of carers’ organisations will be at tomorrow’s official launch of the Torbay Community Hub, which is funded by the Adult Social Care precept and run by Engaging Communities South West at Paignton Library.

Further support is available on Wednesday 21 June, when we host a hybrid information session for Torbay carers with Carers UK about online carers’ support. The council’s Director of Adult and Community Services, Joanna Williams, will introduce the session. 

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Carers who join Torbay Carers can apply for a Torbay Carers’ Passport / Emergency Card, which offers discounts with a range of local organisations and businesses, emergency back-up planning and free hospital parking when supporting the person that you care for. Find out more about Torbay Carers.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “We as a council are committed to continuing to recognise and support carers and show our appreciation for the huge contribution they make. That’s why supporting carers is one of the priorities in our Health and Wellbeing strategy 2022-26.

“It’s also why we’re happy to hold events for carers who often need specific support, whether it’s emotional, practical or financial. Having somewhere to turn can make a big difference.

“I am an unpaid carer, so I understand the challenges that carers face. I’ve also experienced the rewards of Torbay carers’ services and I’ve worked within the sector in various roles. This is something that drives my passion to support carers and identify those who may not even realise they are a carer.”

Other support for carers in Torbay:

• Our Children with Disability Team, Torbay Carers Service and Tissues with Issues are holding a family event for parent and sibling carers on Wednesday 7 June from 3pm to 6pm at Mayfield School.
• Carers Aid Torbay has set up a new cost of living service called Carers Choices, linked with Bay Benefits. Go to the Carers Aid Torbay website or call 07873 484688.
• Torbay Carers Together is starting a monthly drop-in service for those who support an adult who is on the autism spectrum (or think they might be) who does not have a learning disability. No booking required; just turn up. Paignton Carers’ Centre in Paignton Library: Tuesday 20 June, Tuesday 18 July and Tuesday 15 August, all 1pm to 5pm.
• Torbay Carers’ Service is organising a host of activities during the week, everything from a pitch and putt session to a tour of Kent’s Cavern. Find out more on the Torbay Carers’ Service website.

The Torbay Community Hub is a place where any resident can go for face-to-face information on issues ranging from health and social care, IT support, finance and welfare benefits, bereavement and isolation, and domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Local healthcare services are available on request, with a weekly diabetic eye screening clinic taking place, alongside a pilot with Corner Place Surgery and Public Health Torbay to provide blood pressure checks.

Your Health Torbay, which provides a range of free services and support to help people to make and maintain positive changes in their lives, also regularly attends.

South Devon College health and social care students run digital support sessions every Monday and Friday, and their art department will soon be filling the walls with student artwork.

The hub is open every weekday from 9:30am to 1:30pm.

Tomorrow’s launch is from 12pm to 4pm and all are welcome. Partners of the hub, supporters and volunteers will be in attendance and refreshments will be provided.