I am new to caring

Becoming a carer can happen gradually, or it may have been a sudden change in circumstances, and for some carers their new role can feel overwhelming.

You may have lots of questions and finding the right advice and support as soon as possible is essential.  We are here to support you in accessing the information you need, much of which can be found on our website.

If you would like a full list of our services, please visit our Welcome Pack Page.

As well as practical information, we have some tips to help you while you are helping someone else:

Let your doctor know

Being a carer is a significant part of your life and it is important that your doctor knows as there are regular carers health checks and advice available to support you.

Contact us

We are here to offer support, advice and information. We can also arrange for you to have a Carers Assessment, an important opportunity to discuss your caring situation and identify any needs that you may have so that additional assistance can be provided if necessary.

Chat to our Helpline online by clicking on the ‘ask’ button, email us at info@devoncarers.org.uk or call us 03456 434 435.

Make yourself a priority

Looking after yourself is an important part of making sure that you are able to maintain your own health and wellbeing while being a carer. Please read looking after me for suggestions on how you can do this.  We also offer a wide range of emotional and practical training workshops to enable you to develop skills to help you care more confidently. For our face-to-face workshops click here or for our online, real-time Zoom workshops click here.

Check your entitlement to Carer’s Allowance

You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you are aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is receiving the higher or middle rate component of Disability Living Allowance. Visit https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/overview for further information.

Take a break

Finding the opportunity to have a break can make a huge difference to your well-being.  As well as a more significant physical break, there are often ways to take a small break closer to home.  Half an hour by yourself to read, taking a walk, coffee with a friend, time in the garden – everybody is different and identifying what helps you to feel well, as well as finding how to achieve these breaks, can be a very effective stress-management tool.

In order to help you to take a break we are currently offering a Carers Break Fund. The fund (between £50 – £187) can be applied for by adult carers of adults, to enable you to spend time enjoying an activity away from your caring role, to give you a break. It can be used on a variety of activities from; a wellbeing or relaxing activity, pursuing a hobby or towards a night or trip away. For more information visit our Carers Break Fund page.