Dave Thomas: Celebrating carers in the Bay

Today, 20th November, is Carers' Rights Day.

It is an essential annual reminder of the vital and often unseen contribution made by unpaid carers across our community. Two out of three of us will be caring for a family member, friend, or neighbour at some point in our lives, and this day helps shine a much-needed spotlight on the support and rights available to those who give so much.

Carers’ Rights Day was first launched by Carers UK in 2000, and over the last 25 years it has helped thousands of unpaid carers better understand their entitlements, access support earlier, and feel recognised for the essential role they play. Many people do not think of themselves as carers, and most are unaware of the help that exists until they reach crisis point. This national day helps to change that.

The benefits are clear. Carers' Rights Day raises awareness of the support available, encourages people to come forward for advice, and helps carers understand key rights such as the ability to request flexible working or take carer's leave.

It also provides a valuable opportunity for carers to meet others who share similar experiences, reducing isolation and strengthening our caring community. Campaigning linked to this day has also contributed to important policy changes over the years, including better workplace rights and stronger legal recognition under the Care Act.

If you care for someone, it is important that you look after your own wellbeing, and planning ahead for the person you support can make a huge difference. Torbay Carers offers a wide range of help for unpaid carers but the first important step is to recognise yourself as a carer and to make professionals involved in your loved one's care aware of this. This may be a nurse, a GP, a community care worker, a receptionist or anyone else who supports the person you look after.

To mark Carers' Rights Day, Torbay Carers is hosting its annual celebration event this Saturday (22nd) at Paignton Library - the perfect opportunity to find out more. Running from 10am to 2pm, the event offers information, advice and guidance along with family-friendly activities, free refreshments and a warm welcome.

This year’s event also highlights 25 years of carer support workers being based in our local GP surgeries, helping to make support more accessible than ever. It also includes the launch of Bridgit, a new AI-based website designed to help carers access information and guidance at any time.

Whether or not you consider yourself to be a carer, if you're looking after someone, please do join us. You may find valuable information, feel a little more supported, and meet others who can understand the realities of caring.

You may also have recently received a carers’ survey in the post. Together with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, we are gathering feedback from unpaid carers, past or present, to better understand their experiences and shape future support. If you have been selected, please return your completed survey by 30th November.

With Christmas in sight, many parents and carers will now be turning their minds to the school holidays. Bookings for our Healthy Holidays clubs are open now. They form part of Torbay's Holiday Activities and Food Programme and offer free sessions for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Each club provides a nutritious meal every day and a programme of fun, engaging activities such as sport, arts and crafts, cooking, drama, and outdoor play.

This helps children stay active, learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy positive experiences through the holidays. Paid places are also available for all families that don't meet the eligibility for free sessions, and clubs will run across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, including dedicated SEND sessions.

Finally, if you are looking to get into the festive spirit this weekend, the Hollacombe Christmas Fair is taking place on Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the Hollacombe Community Resource Centre on Torquay Road. This friendly community event includes craft stalls, tombola, raffles, seasonal refreshments and a Santa's Grotto for children. It's a great opportunity to pick up festive gifts, support the centre and enjoy a warm, welcoming start to the Christmas season.

Whether you're a carer, a parent, or someone who simply enjoys supporting local activities, there's plenty happening across Torbay this week. I hope you enjoy taking part.