Carers in Devon can now sign up for email updates and visit a new webpage to find the latest information on the upcoming changes to carers' services in the county.
From 1 October, carers' assessments, reviews and the Carers Helpline will be brought in-house and delivered directly by the council. Peer support and carer ambassador services will be recommissioned with new contracts.
The current £2.3 million budget for all of these services is being maintained and they will continue to offer the same support and advice.
More information is available at https://devon.cc/new-carers-service and you can also subscribe to the e-bulletin via this link.
The current Devon Carers service provides information, advice, assessments and practical support to unpaid carers who look after an adult family member, partner, friend or neighbour in the county.
This service is currently delivered by Westbank Health and Care, commissioned by the council and NHS Devon. Under procurement law, the current contract cannot be renewed again.
Providers, including Westbank Health and Care, have been invited to bid for new contracts for peer support services and carer ambassador services which are being recommissioned.
Experienced staff who currently deliver carers' assessments, reviews and helpline support are expected to transfer to the council to support a smooth changeover for carers. Carers will receive the same support from many of the same team they already know.
The council is also working with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to develop a new Carer Wellbeing Alliance, bringing together local organisations to provide community-based support, information, advice and wellbeing opportunities closer to home.
Councillor Richard Keeling, Cabinet Member for adults services, said:
“As the unpaid carers contract has reached the end of the legal permitted term, it is right to take stock and think about what arrangements would result in improved outcomes for carers, particularly carers isolation that has persisted in Devon for some time. Carer assessments and reviews will move in-house, while community support will be delivered through a voluntary, community and social enterprise-led alliance.”
To find out more, visit https://devon.cc/new-carers-service which will continue to be updated. Updates will also be issued through our email bulletins if you subscribe via this link.
Devon Carers Get New Webpage and Email Updates for Service Changes