Medical Matters: Supporting Torbay's unpaid carers

Many people provide care or support to their relatives or friends, whether by helping with shopping or meals, attending appointments, or simply checking in to ensure they’re okay.

The people they support may need care due to an illness, a disability, a health or mental health condition, or an addiction.

Often they may not identify as carers or be aware of the support available to them. Carers play a vital role, and we are committed to supporting them and the people they care for. This dedication is embedded in all we do.

We know that in Torbay alone, there are at least 15,000 unpaid carers. However, because not all unpaid carers identify as such, this number is likely to be much higher. 

So, why is it so important for carers to be identified? By recognising themselves as carers, they open the door to a range of advice, practical help, and emotional support designed to ease their responsibilities. That’s where Torbay Carers Service comes in—to offer this vital assistance to unpaid carers in our community.

Torbay Carers Service offers a wide range of support and advice for carers of people in Torbay. In Torbay and South Devon hospitals, carers can access support including free parking and discounted refreshments. They should be offered an orange lanyard, which helps staff identify them as carers and makes sure to involve them in discussions about support and discharge planning.

We can also provide 1-to-1 and group support, health and wellbeing checks, and emotional and practical support. Carers often neglect their own health and well-being, so it’s really important to support them and make sure that they have breaks from caring.

Earlier this month we celebrated Carers Rights Day. It is an annual opportunity for us to remind unpaid carers of their rights—rights at work, rights to an assessment of their support needs as a carer, and the right to engage in work, education, training, or volunteering if they would like.

They should be involved in the assessment of the person that they care for, if they consent. Carers also have the right to be involved in care, support, and discharge planning if the person they care for is admitted to hospital. 

More importantly, they have the right to be recognised as a carer. Locally, carers can join Torbay Carers for a Carers’ Passport Card, which enables them to access a whole range of discounts and support. If you are under 16, the Young Carers Service is on hand to help.

We were delighted to celebrate the day with a range of events in Paignton Library. We were joined by Cllr David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, and Liz Davenport, Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. They both spoke about the important role carers play in society and how we can all support the care they provide.

Carers were also able to hear from health and community care professionals who provided advice in a range of areas, including support in hospitals, assessment and support, and discussion opportunities. Thanks must go to Nev from Ubuntu Multicultural Mentoring CiC, who delivered dramatic performances throughout the day themed on being a carer.

If you or someone you know is an unpaid carer, we encourage you to find out more about the support available through Torbay Carers Service. For more information, please visit our website at www.tsdft.uk/carers or contact us at signposts@nhs.net or 01803 666620.

If you live outside the Torbay Council area, our website also provides links to Devon Carers’ services, ensuring that support is accessible to carers wherever they are.