Carer support

Young Carers under 18 have their own services and some have in-school support. If you are aged 16 to 25 and not in secondary school, Young Adult Carers can support you

If you are an unpaid Carer and aged over 16, there are free services (universal support) that you can use.

These include:

• ‘Signposts for Carers’ confidential advice and information service.
  • Adviceline. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm  01803 666620, or:
    • signposts@nhs.net  
    • www.Facebook.com/TorbayCarers
  • Carers’ Centres in Paignton, Brixham and Torquay. See link for times.
  • Advice Point at Torbay Hospital.  Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Level 4 main entrance. Far right of reception desk
• Join Torbay Carers to get: 
  • A Torbay Carer Passport card which:
    • gives you free parking and other support at local hospitals when you are visiting / supporting the person that you care for
    • offers you discounts at local businesses (including free MyBay card)
    • works as an emergency card. If you have an emergency, we will follow your back up plan
    • can act as proof that you are a Carer, e.g. for employment-related support.  
  • Signposts for Carers’ quarterly Newsletter 
  • Carers’ education courses (usually free). They include training to help with caring such as First Aid or Legal Workshops. Also courses such as crafts or exercise which give a break from caring
• Carer Support Workers at each doctor’s surgery. You can find their contact details here.
• Carers’ Health and Wellbeing Check
• Torbay Bridgit - AI supported platform to tailor information to your needs. Also includes AI coaches, making plans and much more.
• Carers’ groups and activities.
• Events throughout the year - young Carers’ Action Day in March, Carers’ Week in June and Carers’ Rights Day in November. 
• A break from caring
• Online videos and a video library to support you in your caring role
• Support to ‘live healthier and happier for longer’ from Your Health Torbay
• Support if you are working and caring for someone
• Advocacy (having someone speak up for you) from Carers’ Aid Torbay 
•  Cost of living and benefits support from Bay Benefits
• Carers’ Telephone Line - volunteers make planned calls to isolated Carers

There is specialist support if you care for:

• an adult with mental health issues
• a person over 65 with mental health issues
• someone with drug or alcohol issues
• someone in hospital
• an adult with a learning disability
• an adult with autism with no learning disability
• a child with additional needs
• a veteran or are a veteran yourself

For Carers who are eligible there may be additional support.