CARE agencies in Teignbridge and the rest of Devon are pulling out all the stops to reach their clients at home during the weather blitz.

Devon County Council and the NHS are working closely with them to provide additional support.

The agencies are linking each other’s care provision to ensure that people most at risk are receiving the support they need. Local residents and community groups are also lending a hand.

A spokeswoman for the Bay Care agency, which has clients across South and West Devon, said: ’We have around 250 clients that we know well. We know who’s high risk and we’re prioritising our support to them. The conditions are extremely challenging. Many of the usual routes are impassable, so we appealed yesterday for help from local volunteers with 4x4 vehicles. They’ve been incredible, helping my care and support workers get as close as they can to our high risk category clients.’

She added: ’My staff are amazing too. We had a member of the care team walk three hours yesterday for a single visit to a lady at high risk, and we’ve care workers today on foot, while roads are still impassable.

’The help from our volunteer 4x4 drivers is really important. If anyone in the Torbay, South or West Devon area would like to help us reach clients in more isolated areas, please give me a ring. We’d appreciate support.’

The number to ring is 07855 5550164.

Unicare Devon is also requesting 4x4 driver volunteers in the Teignmouth and Newton Abbot areas. John Powell, Director at Unicare Devon said: ’We’ve had and still have staff who like myself this morning walked three hours for a 30-minute call. Yesterday (mon) we had multiple cars abandoned and staff walking until nearly 10:30pm in a blizzard to ensure high risk clients needs were met.’

Offers of help are welcome on 07411 422799.