Health and Wellbeing for Unpaid Carers
Do you know the signs and symptoms of cancer?
In 2026 we’ve started a project working with at risk individuals, including unpaid carers, in rural and coastal locations across Devon. We’ll be on a mission to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung and bowel cancer, and running events to promote lifestyle changes and the screening options available. To find out more about events in your area, please email Katie on katie@wellmoor.org.uk.
We are looking to speak to anyone (not just carers) who has lived experience of lung and/or bowel cancer to help with our research for this new project. If you’d be willing to help, please get in touch with Katie on Katie@wellmoor.org.uk or call 01647 478378. (You can remain anonymous, and contribute as little or as much as you’d like).
This new project will build on our work in 2025, when we hosted a series of cancer awareness events specifically for unpaid carers across East Devon. Delivered in partnership with Ottery Help Scheme, Community Links SW, and Honiton Carers, these sessions welcomed a total of 118 people.
The events gave carers a valuable chance to hear from cancer experts, while also providing space for social connection and shared experiences in a relaxed, supportive environment. We hope these sessions encouraged everyone to look after both their own health and the wellbeing of those they care for, and we look forward to carrying on this work and seeing even more of you at events this year.
If you weren’t able to attend previous events and would like to know more about spotting the signs and symptoms of cancer, click here.
Caring for a loved one is a noble and often challenging journey. At Wellmoor, we recognise the dedication and sacrifices of unpaid carers and are committed to providing support, resources, and a sense of community. We’re working with carers from all walks of life, all ages and needs, to lend a hand and find ways to relieve some of the pressures of caring.
On this page, you’ll find information about how to keep yourself healthy whilst providing unpaid care, along with opportunities to join classes, workshops, and activities to support your wellbeing, all designed with you and the person you care for in mind.
Could you be eligible for a free flu vaccine?
Looking after your own health is just as important as caring for someone else. As a carer, you may qualify for a free flu vaccine, and we encourage you to take advantage of this to protect both yourself and the person you care for.
Contact your GP in autumn or winter to learn more and book your vaccine.
Fit to care: free exercise for unpaid carers
We are not currently offering physical activity classes for carers. However, we recommend contacting your local Health Centre, as they may be running Strength & Balance classes or something similar that will be suited to those with a caring role. Read on to hear about our previous classes.
We know that caring for someone else often leaves little time to care for yourself. In 2025 and 2025, we offered free 6-week physical activity programmes designed specifically for unpaid carers.
Funded by Sport England, these classes included:
Gentle yoga
Strength and balance exercises
Creative movement
Held in friendly, accessible community venues across Moretonhampstead, Crediton, Exminster and Okehampton, these sessions were open to carers, and you were welcome to bring the person you care for along too.
Our aim was simple: to support your physical and mental wellbeing while giving you a chance to connect with others who understand what it is like to be an unpaid carer.
If you would like to find out more about similar opportunities in the future, contact Katie at katie@wellmoor.org.uk or call 01647 478378.
