“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a phrase we often hear, and it couldn’t be more relevant for carers. Caring for someone you love is deeply rewarding, but it also comes with significant challenges. Prioritising your own well-being isn’t selfish — it’s essential.
While my focus here is on dementia carers, these insights can benefit all unpaid carers navigating the demands of caregiving.
Understanding the Value of Carers
The work of unpaid carers saves the government billions each year—a contribution that often goes unnoticed. Yet, carers deserve...
If you support a partner, relative or friend who would not be able to manage without you, you may be an unpaid carer.
On Thursday 21 November, Westbank's Devon Carers is holding an Information Fair at Exeter Library in Castle Street and advice stands at the city's main hospital and Nightingale Hospital.
Come along to find out more about the services to support you and your rights as a carer.
A senior leader at Devon’s foremost health and wellbeing charity, Westbank Community Health and Care, has won a prestigious regional award that recognises the work of Care Professionals across the South West.
Andy Hood, who oversees Westbank’s Carers Services including Devon Carers, was named Team Leader of the Year at the Care and Support West awards 2024, now in their 11th year.
Andy attended a ceremony at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol last week (Thursday 26 September) to receive a trophy in recognition of his leadership of a team that supports more than thirty thousand...
Devon Carers is ‘Putting Carers on the Map’ this week as part of an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise their invaluable contribution to society - estimated to save the Devon economy over £2 billion a year!
Devon Carers, a free service by Westbank Community Health and Care, is putting on a host of events to celebrate Carers Week (10th – 16th June). The service is also planning several events as part of its milestone anniversary to mark 25 years of supporting unpaid carers across the county. Over the last two and...
Over the past couple of years I have been advocating for families living with dementia in addition to leading the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance.
I have witnessed family carers on their knees at crisis point, desperate, isolated with overwhelming feelings of helplessness.
At times I have felt useless, but having immersed myself into the world of dementia over the past decade I realise I have gained invaluable knowledge which I feel able to share and is making a difference. This is a humbling privilege.
Navigating the complexities of the health and social care...
Devon Carers, a free service by Westbank Community Health and Care, is this month celebrating 25 years of supporting unpaid carers across the county and is planning several events throughout the coming year as part of its landmark anniversary.
The charity provides a wide range of support services to those who look after family members or friends because they are ill, frail, or have a disability, mental health or substance misuse problem.
Over the last two and a half decades, Westbank’s Devon Carers has grown to be one of the largest charitable organisations in the UK...
Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help? There are at least 74,000 people in Devon who do, and Westbank’s Devon Carers is a free service to help them, delivered by Westbank Community Health and Care, and funded by Devon County Council and the NHS.
Westbank’s Devon Carers is hosting a free Information Fair for unpaid carers on Carers’ Rights Day, Thursday 23rd November, at the Exeter Phoenix in Gandy Street from 10 am to 4 pm. Carers Rights Day - a national event - is run every year to ensure carers are aware of their rights, know where to get help and...
In response to this year’s Carers Week (5-11th June) theme ‘Recognising and supporting carers in the community’, the organisation that supports thousands of unpaid carers across Devon is highlighting the invaluable role carers undertake, which saves the NHS and Social Care organisations across the county an estimated £2.324 billion a year!
Around 75,000 adults provide care for a family member, friend or neighbour in Devon. Many are supported by Devon Carers, one of the services provided by local charity Westbank Community Health and Care. However, many people with caring...
In Devon, approximately 135,000 people look after someone who couldn’t manage without their help and receive no payment for it. Some are new to caring, while others have cared for a family member, friend or neighbour for some time. It’s an invaluable role but carers often feel alone or unsupported, particularly in light of the current cost-of-living crisis.
Devon Carers, part of Westbank Community Health and Care, is hosting a free Information and Advice Fair specifically for unpaid carers on Carers Rights Day. The event will take place on Thursday 24th November at the Exeter...
Do you care for a loved one who is vulnerable to flu or Covid-19? Would the person you care for be at risk if you were unwell? If so, and you are aged over 16, you are eligible for free seasonal flu and Autumn booster Covid-19 vaccinations.
As a carer, whether paid or unpaid, you’re more likely to be exposed to the flu and Covid-19 viruses.
If you care for someone who may be at greater risk, it’s easy to pass these viruses on without knowing.
NHS Devon’s Deputy Chief Nurse, Susan Masters said: “Both flu and Covid-19 can...
