‘Unite Carers in Mid Devon’ is a charity based in Tiverton which started in 2003 with the express intention of supporting unpaid carers of all ages. Through their magnificent team of volunteers, they offer advice, free counselling, IT support, form filling, telephone outreach and home visits. As well as a 1:1 befriending service, they also run 15 support groups where carers can meet others in similar circumstances for discussion, advice, and companionship. They run a monthly memory café where dementia sufferers and their carers can meet in a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere and provide a ‘safe stop-sitting service’ three times a month where loved ones can be left in a safe and stimulating environment whilst the carer enjoys much respite from their caring role.
They offer a seasonal outdoor group in a forest school setting for children with additional needs and their families, giving them a quiet and safe environment away from mainstream adventure playgrounds and enabling interaction between children with similar needs.
Currently, they help around 325 carers with their group of 57 volunteers. Face-to-face meetings are especially important as it helps to reduce the sense of isolation in some very rural locations.
The Charity needs over £100,000 a year to operate, and all of that is raised through grant applications and private donations.
Anthony Eldred - Charity Steward for Devonshire Freemasons said:
“With a significant increase of care taking place in the home and community, often by young people, it is important not to forget that carers themselves need to be supported and valued. Unite Carers takes on this challenge and Devonshire Freemasons, through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, are delighted to support this vital service.”
Sharon Trerise - General Manager of Unite Carers in Mid Devon:
“On behalf of Unite Carers, I would like to thank Devonshire Freemasons for their very generous grant over the next three years, which will be used towards the running costs of the charity providing our much needed services to unpaid carers in Mid Devon.”
