SUPPORT for unpaid carers across Devon will continue as Devon County Council prepares to introduce new arrangements for carers’ services.

The council has confirmed that changes will be made to the way some support services are delivered when the current Caring Well in Devon contract, provided by Westbank Health and Care on behalf of Devon County Council, comes to an end on September 30.

Devon County Council currently supports around 35,000 carers, although the number of people carrying out unpaid caring roles across the county is believed to be considerably higher.

From October, carers’ assessments, reviews and the Carers Helpline will move directly into Devon County Council as part of the new service arrangements.

The council says the change will ensure carers continue to receive advice, information and support while strengthening links with adult social care services.

Staff currently delivering carers’ assessments, reviews and helpline support are expected to transfer to the council, allowing valuable experience, knowledge and existing relationships with carers to be retained.

The council says bringing these services in-house will make it easier for carers to access support and create closer connections between carers’ services and wider adult social care provision.

However, the council has stressed that support for carers involves more than formal assessments and reviews.

Under the new arrangements, peer support, wellbeing services and opportunities for carers to connect with others in similar situations will remain an important part of provision across Devon.

New contracts for peer support services and carer ambassador services are expected to begin from October 1, with existing providers, including Westbank Health and Care, invited to submit bids.

The council is also working with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to establish a new Carer Wellbeing Alliance.

The partnership aims to bring organisations together to provide community-based support, information, advice and wellbeing opportunities closer to where carers live.

Support provided through Citizens Advice will continue as normal.

Devon County Council is contacting carers about the changes, although it says it is reliant on Westbank Health and Care confidentially sharing carers’ contact details so that those currently receiving support can be contacted directly.

Councillor Richard Keeling, Devon County Council’s Lead Member for Adult Services, said the changes were designed to strengthen support rather than reduce services.

‘Support for unpaid carers is not ending,’ he said. ‘We remain fully committed to investing in support for unpaid carers. Our budget for carers’ support is not changing.

‘Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to communities across Devon, often balancing caring responsibilities alongside work, education and family life.

‘We want carers to be able to access the right support at the right time.

‘Bringing carers’ assessments, reviews and the Carers Helpline closer to adult social care will make services easier to access while building on the support already available across Devon’.

Councillor Keeling added that the council wanted to reassure carers that it remained committed to supporting them throughout the transition.

‘If you are an unpaid carer supported under the current contract and have not already been contacted, we encourage you to get in touch so we can make sure you receive the information and support you need’, he said.

If you are an unpaid carer, supported by Westbank Health and Care under the Council’s contract, and have not already been contacted by the Council, email the Carers Strategy mailbox at [email protected] with your name and contact details.