Supporting unpaid carers in Devon
Devon County Council and NHS Devon are committed to ensuring unpaid carers can access the advice, information and support they need to maintain their own health and wellbeing while continuing in their caring role.
From 1 October, new arrangements for carers support will be introduced across Devon. These changes build on the strengths of existing services while creating a more connected and sustainable model of support for carers and the communities around them.
The new carers service, Caring in Devon, has been designed to make it easier for carers to access information, advice, assessments, wellbeing support and community-based services. It will bring together Devon County Council, local voluntary and community organisations, and carers themselves to improve outcomes for people who provide unpaid care.
If you are currently receiving support as a carer, there is nothing you need to do. We are working closely with providers and staff to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of support.
Information about the new arrangements for carers should be sent to you from us, via Westbank Health and Care. If you are a carer and have not received any correspondence please contact us on carersstrategy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Who does Caring in Devon support?
Caring in Devon supports:
- Adult unpaid carers who look after an adult family member, partner, friend or neighbour.
- Adults who are new to caring and need information and guidance.
- Young adult carers aged 18 to 24.
- Working-age carers.
- Carers supporting people with specific conditions such as dementia, mental health conditions, autism, cancer, learning disabilities, physical conditions, addiction and age-related frailty.
The service mainly supports carers where the person receiving care lives within the Devon County Council area. Different services are available in Plymouth and Torbay.
What support will be available?
- Information and advice
From 1 October, a new carers service will continue to provide information about:
• Carers’ rights and the Care Act 2014
• Employment and flexible working
• Welfare benefits and finances
• Cost of living support
• Emergency planning
• Future planning and bereavement
• Health and wellbeing
• Condition-specific caring information
• Regular updates for carers - Carers assessments and reviews
Carers’ assessments and reviews will be provided directly by Devon County Council.
The skilled and experienced staff who currently deliver these services through Westbank will transfer to the Council, meaning carers will continue to receive support from people they already know and trust. If you already have an appointment booked, it will go ahead as planned.
Bringing carers’ assessments into Devon County Council will help us take a more joined-up approach to supporting carers and the people they care for. Where appropriate, this may include coordinating a carer’s assessment alongside the Care Act assessment of the person they care for, helping to reduce duplication and ensuring support is planned more effectively.
For an assessment if you are caring for a child or young person under 18 with a disability, please visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/send-local-offer/social-care-support/parent-carers-needs-assessment/
- A dedicated Carers Helpline
The Carers Helpline will also be moving to Devon County Council and will continue to be staffed by the same knowledgeable and experienced team transferring from Westbank.
The helpline will remain the dedicated first point of contact for carers seeking information, advice and support, and the telephone number will stay the same.
Whether you are a new or existing carer, the Carers Helpline can help you access the information, guidance, and support available to you.
- Peer support groups
This service is being recommissioned but will continue to offer online and face-to-face peer support groups where carers can meet others in similar situations, share experiences and reduce feelings of isolation. Groups are available for specific caring circumstances and interests.
- Carer Ambassador opportunities
- Emergency and hospital planning support
Advice and support will continue to be available to help carers who are supporting someone in or leaving hospital. We will work with health and care colleagues so carers are not left without help. This includes:
• Emergency Plans
• Alert Cards
• Escalation Plans
• Hospital discharge and planning information - Wellbeing and short break opportunities
Carers will be able to take breaks through:
• Carer Friendly Breaks
• Carefree hotel break scheme
• Wellbeing and self-care resources
• Emotional health support and counselling signposting - Community-based support through local organisations
- Technology-enabled support and digital resources
The service offers access to digital resources including:
• Carers UK Digital Resources
• Bridgit Care, an AI-powered information and support platform commissioned by Devon County Council to complement existing services.These digital tools are not replacing human support, carers’ assessments, reviews or the helpline. They are an additional tool to provide extra information and signposting.
What is changing?
As part of the new arrangements:
- Carers assessments, reviews and the Carers Helpline will be delivered directly by Devon County Council.
- Many experienced staff currently supporting carers are expected to transfer to the Council, helping to maintain continuity of support.
- New contracts have been awarded for peer support, carer involvement and wellbeing services and these are beginning from the 1st of November 2026.
- A new Carer Wellbeing Alliance is being developed to bring together voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across Devon.
- Existing support provided through Citizens Advice will continue.
Looking ahead
We are excited to launch Caring in Devon and begin the next chapter of support for unpaid carers across the county. By bringing services closer together and strengthening partnerships with local organisations, we aim to create a more connected, responsive and accessible offer for carers of all ages and circumstances.
How can carers access support?
Before 1 October carers can access support by:
- Registering with Devon Carers online.
- Calling the helpline on Tel: 03456 434 435
- Emailing the service at: info@devoncarers.org.uk
- Being referred by a health, social care or community professional
- Visit the Devon Carers website for information and support
- Visiting our carer’s support section on this website.
Once registered, carers can receive a welcome pack, information about available support, access to workshops and groups, and receive a Carers ID card.
If you have any questions about the new carers service please email carersstrategy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk