Devon service for carers celebrates 25 years

Devon Carers is a free service funded jointly by Devon County Council and the NHS

A service which supports unpaid carers across Devon is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Devon Carers is delivered by local charity Westbank Community Health and Care.

It supports about 30,000 unpaid carers across the county, providing information, guidance and advice through its helpline.

The service also said it was one of the oldest organisations of its kind in the South West.

'Feel less alone'

Sue Herring is an unpaid carer who looks after her husband and two sons.

She said she only realised she was a 'carer' a year ago, despite caring for her husband, Phil, for 20 years.

"My husband was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and cancer and my son ended up in hospital with Crohn's disease. My younger son has mental health problems," she said.

"It can be very difficult at times."

Mrs Herring said she reached a "crisis point" and was referred for therapy, where they put her in touch with Devon Carers.

"I generally cope very well, and this is probably the reason why I did not realise I was a carer.

"When I started sliding downhill, I really, really struggled."

'Big difference'

Mrs Herring explained how she now gets out at every opportunity which includes attending events and meeting people through Devon Carers.

"It helps to know that there are other people going through similar things to me," she said.

"Just talking to them makes me feel less alone. It gives me something to look forward to."

She added Devon Carers made a "big difference" to her family's life.

Devon Carers said it wants carers to know it is available to help support them

Andy Hood, for Devon Carers, said the service supports about 30,000 unpaid carers, but wanted to make others aware of the help it can offer.

"We believe there is a lot more than that in Devon, we think there is well over 100,000," he said.

"The work they do is phenomenal. It is like another NHS in Devon."

He also said Devon Carers offers its services in hospitals.