‘This has made a massive difference to us’
We recently reported on how Westbank Community and Care is helping Paul Gugan and his 14-year-old son, Malachi, from Dawlish. They’ve been using the charity’s Community Cookery School alongside its gym.
Well, as part of our ‘Sharing Thoughts’ segment, we’re taking a look at the Devon Carers service which helps people looking after their loved ones.
It’s part of a series of Breaktime News articles celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Exminster based community and health centre.
When Sarah’s husband, Pete, was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disease, it was a huge shock which drastically changed their lives.
They both had to learn to live with the condition, which attacks capillaries throughout the body. Before Pete’s diagnosis their life was full of social outings with friends and family.
He was always active and enjoyed tinkering with various projects – working on his old cars, landscaping the garden and helping their daughters decorate their homes. Since diagnosis, their life has changed immeasurably.
‘We try to meet up with friends and family as much as possible, but we might have to cancel at the last minute depending on Pete’s pain levels,’ explains Sarah.
‘We face constant hospital visits and appointments, and I find it difficult to plan things for myself anymore. However, we have learnt to adapt!’
‘I was chatting to one of my friends about how it has changed our lives, and she said ‘Oh, you’re an unpaid carer then!’’
‘It’s such a relief’
‘I hadn’t really thought about it as I just get on with it, but I guess I am! I knew about Devon Carers, but hadn’t contacted them before, so she spurred me on to call them.’
‘I chatted with their friendly Helpline, and they told me about some of the many benefits their free service provides to make carers’ lives easier, including the Carers’ ID Card and Passport.’
‘This has made a massive difference to us; I no longer have the stress of waiting at the hospital car parking machines when there are big queues.’
‘I simply pop by the main reception, give my car registration and show my Carers’ ID Card. It’s such a relief when I’m already stressed about attending an appointment.’
‘The Carers’ Passport enables us to visit participating local attractions for free, and with Pete’s pensioner’s discount, we have lovely quality days out in beautiful surroundings for very little outlay.’
‘I’m also going to book into a workshop called ‘Coping with the stresses of waiting for test results’. I’m hoping to use these techniques to talk to health professionals, to help me feel more prepared and in control.’
‘We are continually waiting for test results, which is incredibly trying and stressful, so I am looking forward to learning hints and tips to help us manage that.’
‘I have also applied for the Carers’ Break Fund and bought a load of craft supplies for a little me time!’
‘I have created a whole new space in my home office, so whether I have 15 minutes or a few hours to spare, I can pop in and get creative, which I find really therapeutic!’
Westbank started with a handful of experienced trustees and 25 volunteers. Over the past 40 years, it’s grown to offer a broad range of community-led services across Devon.
Last year, it supported 38,000 people of all ages across Devon through its wide range of services.
