Exeter MP walks A Mile with a Smile to raise awareness of the role of Devon’s unpaid carers

Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw has been striding through Westminster - walking A Mile with a Smile - to help raise awareness of the everyday challenges faced by unpaid carers and the enormous contribution they make to families and communities throughout Devon. 

It’s the first time Ben has taken part in the awareness raising event organised by Devon Carers, which was started during Carers Week two years ago. Devon Carers is a service delivered by Devon-based charity Westbank Community Health and Care that supports over 22,000 unpaid carers across the county. Carers Week is an annual national campaign organised by Carers UK. This year it runs from 6th to 12th June and the theme is “Making caring visible, valued and supported’. 

Andy Hood, Head of Devon Carers, says “We would love as many people as possible to walk a mile, by yourself or with family and friends, to help us raise awareness of the amazing contribution unpaid carers make in our commmunities. You may know of someone who looks after a relative, friend or neighbour - tell them about our service because we are here to support them throughout their caring journey”.

Andy continues, “Help us raise awareness of the role of unpaid carers by taking a photo of yourself walking with a smile, and send  your picture to us at online@devoncarers.org.uk and we will add  it to our website. Our goal is to collectively walk the 350-mile perimeter of Devon!”

As part of Carers Week, Devon Carers is also working collaboratively with both Plymouth and Torbay carers services to host a range of in person and online workshops and activities. Visit https://devoncarers.org.uk/community/carers-week/ for the full diary of events.