ABOUT US
The Eastern Devon Unpaid Carers Partnership (EDUCP) is dedicated to supporting unpaid carers of all ages. Our mission is to help them identify their needs and access the resources they require to prevent, reduce, and delay the need for health and social care services.
We recognise the invaluable contributions of unpaid carers in our communities and are committed to promoting their health and wellbeing, allowing them to continue their important work. By focusing on the needs of unpaid carers, we aim to improve understanding of the challenges they face and encourage collaboration between statutory and voluntary sectors.
Our approach prioritises the wellbeing of unpaid carers, which helps to ease the pressure on health and social care services. Together, we strive to create a more supportive environment for unpaid carers and the people they care for.
VISION
Our vision is to improve the identification of unpaid carers within our communities, making it easier for them to access essential support services. By providing this assistance, we aim to prevent, reduce, and delay the need for health and social care services, ensuring that carers receive the support they need while continuing their vital work.
PARTNERSHIP CHAIRS & ADMIN
Richard Foxwell
Co-Chair EDUCP, Chair of Wellmoor and Trustee Moretonhampstead Development TrustRichard Foxwell
Richard jointly chairs the Eastern Local Care Partnership’s Unpaid Carers Steering Committee and is also Chair of Wellmoor and a Trustee of Wellmoor’s parent charity, Moretonhampstead Development Trust (MDT). His main role in Wellmoor is the development of new health and wellbeing initiatives and applying for funding to support their development and delivery. He also has a range of professional contacts within the NHS.
Outside of his role with MDT/Wellmoor, Richard and his wife Andrea have quite an extensive family to keep them occupied – four children and eight grandchildren!
Penny Westlake
Group AdministratorPenny Westlake
Penny Westlake is the administrator for the group. Please contact Penny on [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to be involved in one of our projects.
OUR PRIORITIES
After conducting the Unpaid Carers Feasibility Study in 2024, EDUCP has decided to focus on young adult carers during the 2024/25 period. This group, consisting of individuals aged 18 to 24, often faces significant challenges and has limited support available to them. To address these needs, we will create a peer-mentoring programme that allows young adult carers to connect and support each other. This initiative is particularly important in rural areas of Devon, where access to resources and social networks can be scarce.
OUR WORK
The Young Adult Carers Project for 2024/25 has been initiated with unanimous support from the partnership group. This partnership includes several unpaid carers who bring valuable knowledge and lived experience to the table. The project aims to create and implement a comprehensive model and an action plan to identify the specific needs of young adult carers aged 18 to 24, as well as to develop a peer-support service for them.
Wellmoor will lead the project, with the backing of all EDUCP members. The model developed will enhance the support structure for this vital group, particularly during a crucial transitional period in their lives. Young adult carers often face unique challenges due to the competing demands of education and career development alongside their caring responsibilities.
PROJECT RATIONALE
As of April 2024, Westbank Carers’ Services supports over 28,000 adult carers, yet only around 700 young adult carers are receiving assistance. This gap highlights the insufficient centralised support available for young adult carers, many of whom are overlooked until they transition into adulthood at age 24. Recognising that this age group has specific needs, our project aims to identify and address these requirements, providing effective solutions and establishing a network for peer support. The target areas for this initiative include Eastern Devon, particularly Exeter, Exmouth, and Okehampton.
AIMS OF THE PROJECT
- Create and implement a model for identifying young adult carers.
- Identify and provide support for young adult carers.
- Work collaboratively with partners including Eastern Local Care Partnership (ELCP) Unpaid Carers Group and Devon Carers to provide holistic support to young adult carers, improving their health and wellbeing and increasing their aspirations.
- To develop a peer-support service for young adult carers.
Strength and Balance Classes will be offered this year to encourage unpaid carers to stay Fit to Care while also reducing their own risk of falls.
Video of previous Strength and Balance Classes
OUR MEETINGS
EDUCP meets online every six weeks. Each meeting features a guest speaker who highlights important issues related to caring for individuals who require support. This year, we have focused discussions on topics such as young adult carers, parent carers, and young carers.
During these meetings, we explore various initiatives and collaborate to find effective solutions to support unpaid carers.
We welcome new members from agencies and the voluntary sector who are dedicated to assisting unpaid carers and addressing the challenges they encounter.
UPCOMING PLANS
- Prior to hospital stays, carers to be consulted regarding additional caring responsibilities and impact upon their health and wellbeing.
- Encourage businesses within the Eastern LCP to hold Carer Friendly Devon status.
- Accessing future funding to widen the support we can give unpaid carers.
USEFUL LINKS
Click on the images to find out more
