Introducing a Carers’ Champion for North Dartmoor

Wellmoor is working in partnership with Moretonhampstead Health Centre to act as a ‘Carer’s Champion’ for North Dartmoor. The initiative aims to establish a portfolio of services available to carers to look after their own wellbeing and health needs, and then raise awareness among carers about the support that is available.

A Carer is anyone who provides unpaid care for someone who wouldn’t manage without their help. Often this can be a partner or parent but includes any other family members or even friend or neighbour. The most recent data suggest there are around 5 million carers in England and Wales, which means approximately 9% of people are providing unpaid care.

The impact of providing care on physical and mental wellbeing is well documented. It can also negatively impact on personal finances, including employment and education opportunities. The financial value of unpaid care is staggering however, with research suggesting unpaid care may contribute around £162 billion per year, the financial equivalent of a second NHS in England and Wales.

A key element of supporting carers is helping to identify them through formal channels. It can be difficult for carers to see their caring role as separate from the relationship they have with a loved one and access the support that is available to them. Young Carers (aged 5-17-year-olds) and Young Adult Carers (16-25) are particularly hidden group who are vastly underrepresented in figures. It is estimated that as many as many as 1 in 5 children and young people are young carers in the UK.

Working with Health Centres across Okehampton, Cheriton Bishop, Moretonhampstead, Chagford and Black Torrington, the Carer’s Champion team aim to increase the number of carers (including Young Carers) identified and recorded on clinical systems. Awareness raising will be carried our directly, including in schools and youth clubs, to help carers identify themselves in a caring role and access the wide range of local and national organisations who provide support.

If you want more information about the Carers’ Champion project, get in touch with Wellmoor on admin@wellmoor.org.uk or call 01647 478378