Thousands of people across the UK act as unpaid carers for a friend or family member, often taking this role on alongside a full-time job. If you provide unpaid support for someone, who without this would not manage alone, you are a carer. Whether you are eighteen or eighty, caring for someone full time or helping with small regular jobs like the shopping counts as caring.
Being a carer often means putting our own needs behind someone else's which can contribute towards low mood, increased stress and anxiety. There is a lot of support out there, but lots of carers aren't aware of the help that's available to them. Services like TALKWORKS can help you to manage the emotional difficulties you may be experiencing so that you can continue to care for yourself as well as the person you supporting.
What help can TALKWORKS offer to carers?
If you are a carer and are feeling stressed, burnt out or overwhelmed as a result of your caring role, help is available. TALKWORKS therapists can work with you to help you to manage the difficulties you are facing by providing you with a range of tools and techniques to help you to feel better.
We have a wide range of treatment options and support available through our service and everything we offer is free of charge. This includes:
- One-to-one sessions with an NHS therapist or counsellor
- Access to wellbeing workshops and group courses
- Online self-help (accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Employment support, helping people to find, stay in and return to work
- Interactive group courses
Being a carer does not mean you have to feel constantly low or worried, contact us online self-referral form or by calling the team on 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 4:45pm).
Please note: TALKWORKS is open to adults, age 18+, living in Devon (outside Plymouth). If you live in Plymouth and would like to access support, please reach out to Plymouth Options.
What other services can help me?
Devon Carers can offer support for adults living in Devon (outside Torbay and Plymouth) who has taken on a caring role. If you are struggling with the demands of caring, you can find lots of useful information on their website. Alternatively, if you want to talk to someone about your caring responsibilities, contact their helpline (03456 434 435) or use their web chat.
If you care for someone who lives in Torbay, you can contact Torbay Carers for support by calling 01803 66 66 20 or emailing signposts@nhs.net. If you live in Plymouth and are a carer, please contact Livewell Southwest by calling 01752 201890 or emailing caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk.