Recognising and supporting carers on Carers Rights Day 2024

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust on 21st November, 2024

Carers Rights Day takes place today, with the theme: Recognising carers' rights.

Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend. Many don’t identify as carers or are unaware of their legal rights and the support available to them. Knowing their rights empowers carers to access the benefits they are entitled to, confidently seek support, and challenge decisions when their rights are not being met. 

Find out how we're supporting carers. Together, we can help carers feel valued and supported.

How we support carers

Our Carers’ Strategy is designed to ensure carers are recognised, valued, and supported in their responsibilities. To achieve this, we are working on the following:

Triangle of Care: We are improving carer engagement to enhance patient safety, recovery, and wellbeing through the Triangle of Care initiative. Learn more about the Triangle of Care.

Partnerships with carer organisations: We work closely with Devon Carers and Torbay Carers, who are commissioned to deliver carer services in Devon. Their involvement has been pivotal in delivering carer awareness sessions to staff, supporting the Carer Champion Community of Practice, and helping us review our Carers’ Strategy and processes to ensure consistent and holistic support for carers.

Carer ID and parking: Registered carers with Devon Carers or Torbay Carers can access a Carers Passport or Carer ID, which entitles them to free parking at:

• Torbay Hospital
• North Devon District Hospital
• Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
• Derriford (one car park)
• Wonford House

To claim free parking, carers must present their Carers Passport or ID at reception.

For carers not registered with these organisations but who have a relative or friend staying at Wonford House for an extended period (at least eight weeks), a temporary parking permit for up to 12 weeks can be approved by the ward manager. Contact dpn-tr.CarParking@nhs.net for more information.

Carer referrals: The quickest way for carers to access support from Devon Carers is through a professional referral. The form takes just a few minutes to complete: Professional Referral Form.

Carer Champion Community of Practice: This is a safe and nurturing space for Carer Champions, community partners, and carers to reflect on positive practice, share challenges, and develop solutions.

Commitment to Carers: A group of staff, carers and community partners have recently reviewed our organisational Commitment to Carers.

If you would like to request professionally printed copies, please contact Together team at dpt.together@nhs.net 

Carers’ feedback: Staff and carers have developed a new carer survey which monitors the Triangle of Care standards and carer experience.

Involving carers: Carers are actively involved in reviewing and co-designing our services. If you know a carer who would like to contribute to Trust-wide initiatives (e.g., staff induction, training, interviews, and projects), contact the Together Team at dpt.together@nhs.net