...which would you like first?! The recent round of spending cuts by Devon Social Services has been bad news for local carer organisations (see below), and the impact on carers can only be imagined at this stage. On the other hand, see the articles ‘Neighbouring News’ and ‘Training Matters’ to read how the voluntary sector is still making headway for carers.

During the last few months, Devon Social Services have informed dozens of organisations that they are either no longer going to be funding them at all to provide services to vulnerable people, or that their funding is being cut significantly. A number of the organisations that have been most active in developing carers’ services over the past few years, particularly in South Devon, have been badly hit.

One of the worst affected has been South Devon Carers’ Helpline. This service, located in the voluntary sector, has been operating for 10 years, and receives around 2,000 calls a year from local carers. Devon Social Services decided to stop giving this valued service any funding at all, with the result that it could not survive on what was left. Consequently, by the time you read this, it will have closed down.

Devon Social Services have also stopped funding the Carers Support Workers based in some of the GP Practices in West Devon, meaning the loss of emotional support, information and advice to 200 carers. They have also stopped contributing to the running costs of South Devon Carers’ Consortium, resulting in a reduction in representation of carers, awareness raising and information provision (such as this newsletter). In addition, cuts in other services (eg day opportunities, bereavement services, luncheon clubs, holiday play schemes) will also have a significant impact on the lives of carers, as well as the cared-for people.

If these developments concern you, then please put pen to paper, and write to your local county councillor or the Director of Social Services (David Johnstone) at County Hall, Topsham Rd, Exeter, EX2 4QR. It is times like these that carers need to speak out and make your views known - after all, these organisations are working to improve your quality of life!

If you or your child have to exclude wheat and gluten from your diet, then DS Foods new Speciality Range may spice up your diet. Some branches of Sainsbury and Tesco are now stocking the full range. Visit the web site for more information, or call

BBC First Aid Action is a “unique, interactive, step-by-step course” enabling you to develop First Aid skills without leaving home and at your own pace. Everything from scalds and burns to choking and heart attacks is covered in the programme.

Do you get angry? If so, let us know why, in time for the next newsletter.
Use this space to raise issues of interest to you.

This will be held at Totnes Pavilion Leisure Centre, over 3 weekly sessions, starting on 30 May. If you would like more information or an informal chat, please contact Caroline on (01803) 872828.

“The System: how you can make the most of it”

For further information about both of these events, please contact SDCC on (01803) 294275. The cost to family carers is £1 per course.

Spring time is conference fever! Not long ago, Torbay held its second Carers’ Conference. This had the Director of Policy from Carers UK down from London to talk about national developments.

Devon’s Carers’ Conference is currently being planned for late spring/early summer. This will be an opportunity for you to have a say about Devon’s Carers’ Plan, and to meet the new County Carers’ Co-ordinator. If you are interested in coming, please let the Consortium office have your name and address.

In 1997, Joan had her first brush with the cancer that eventually took her life. Despite her illness and her enormous burden of care, Joan never ceased to battle on behalf of carers, often with a wry smile. In her own words, “Carers in general only want something that costs very little money. They want a common sense answer to their problems.” She will be sorely missed.

The new State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) will benefit some carers. As of 6 April 2002, every full year that a carer receives, or has underlying entitlement to Invalid Care Allowance, or that they have Home Responsibilities Protection, they will receive a year’s entitlement towards the pension (ie around £1 extra per week for every year spent caring). For further information, call the Pension Information Order-line on:
0845 7313233

The PALS Officer for the Teignbridge area is Jo Carpenter, who also shares the work in Torbay Hospital with a colleague. If you think you could make use of this service, or would like more information on the local PALS, please call the Freephone number on

0800 0282 037

If you are interested and would like further information, please contact Sonia on (01392) 824752.

Due to their different roles and responsibilities task group titles vary, as does their size, degree of formality and number of sub groups. However, all would welcome carer-involvement, and there are both regular and occasional opportunities for carers to be represented.

Task Groups:

q Older Persons Board

q Children's Young Persons and Families Task group

q Physical and Sensory Disabilities Task group

q Learning Disability Partnership Board

q Mental Health Local Implementation Group

q Lifestyles Group

q Safer Communities Action Team Torbay

q Prevention of Accidents co-ordination group

q Drugs Implementation group

q Homeless Strategy Group

Why be a carer representative?

q Giving a carer perspective and detailed comments that might not occur to others

q Taking an overview for carers that is not just personal, but where one’s own view is relevant too

q Passing on learning from hard experience, to ease the way for others

q Creating schemes of direct benefit to carers, such as the Carers Emergency Response Care

q Feeling valued, and having a view worth hearing

q Meeting professionals as an equal

q Increasing in confidence, with openings to try new skills

q Seeing how policies and services are developed

q Getting to know useful contacts and information

q Linking with individual carers and groups to pass on their views

What back up is available?

q Ensuring expenses are paid

q Checking that practical arrangements are suitable

q Giving more detail about the group, its remit and membership

q Explaining how the system works

q Encouraging groups to explain and simplify jargon and paperwork

q Making links with other carers and groups to get their views

q Giving informal support and training as need arises

So..! Do you think you might have something to contribute to shaping services to better suit carers? An initial enquiry does not commit you to taking on tasks. So why not ensure we keep you posted? Contact us with your name, address, phone number and any special areas of interest. Write to Amanda Woolley, Carers Participation Worker, at the address at the foot of the page, or phone (01803) 294275.

The current carer representative is keen to hear the views of other carers and discuss how to continue to put forward the diversity of carer viewpoints at the Board, which brings together those providing services for adults with learning disabilities. Call Amanda for more info.

The PALS Officer for the Torbay area is Sue Luscombe, who also shares the work in Torbay Hospital with a colleague. If you think you could make use of this service, please call the Freephone number on

0800 0282 037