Devon Cares Scheme awarded funding
Seven inspiring social action projects across the UK have been awarded £700,000 to support unpaid family carers, including the Devon Carer’s Scheme - managed by Westbank Community Health.
Westbank Community Health have been awarded £140,000 of funding to support carers through information social action, carer support groups, helplines and health and wellbeing checks.
Matthew Byrne, Manager of Devon Carers, said: “Caring is social action at its most informal. This scheme enables us to build on the immense contribution that carers already make, and recognises that often they are the best people to support other carers.”
Mary Nisbett, Chief Executive of Westbank Community Health and Care, which runs the project, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding. It helps us provide crucial support for unpaid family carers, including young adult carers and carers of people with dementia.
"Our vision is one of strong communities, in which the health and wellbeing of all people is sustained and improved. We aim to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of people in the local community, across Devon and beyond.
"As part of this, we strive to do the best we can for those we work with. This includes all those who use our services through Devon Carers.”
The investment recognises the impact volunteers, including carers supporting each other, can make on carers feeling supported in their caring role - whether by allowing them to take a break from caring; sharing their experiences of caring; or receiving practical and emotional support.
The funding will help six other volunteering programmes across the country provide crucial support for unpaid family carers, including young adult carers and carers of people with dementia.
Others awarded funding include: the British Red Cross Shropshire, Age UK Buckinghamshire, Parkinson’s UK, Shared Lives Plus and Thirsk Community Care and Carers Trust Cambridgeshire.
Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson said: “I am delighted to announce the winners of the Carers Social Action Support Fund. These projects showcase the potential of social action to support carers in their caring role.
“From enabling isolated older carers to take time out from caring, to equipping young adult carers with key life skills, social action can make a real difference to people carrying out this incredibly important role.”
