Does your carer go the extra mile? Final call for award nominations!

Published: 6 February 2017

There is still time to make a nomination for this year’s Torbay Carers Blue Shield Awards – but the deadline for nominations to be received is fast approaching!

The annual awards aim to recognise the hard work and dedication of unpaid carers and celebrate those particular individuals who go above and beyond in their caring role in Torbay. The deadline for nominations to be received is Friday 10 February 2017.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust runs Carers Services in Torbay. Over 3,700 unpaid carers are currently on the Trust’s Carers Register, yet it is estimated that there are around 16,000 unpaid carers across the Bay.

Natalie Townsend, Carers Services Coordinator, at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “All unpaid carers do a fantastic job but we know that there are so many people out there who go above and beyond the caring role each and every day to do things for the benefit of other carers. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate these unsung heroes who have made a real difference for the caring community.

“Caring for someone is not an easy job, it is often 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is also a role that can be taken on gradually meaning people frequently don’t identify themselves as a carer. The annual Blue Shield awards are a reminder that carers not only selflessly carry out their role as a carer, but they can also make a massive difference to the support networks and wellbeing of other carers.”

Nominations for this year’s awards will close on Friday 10 February. You can nominate an individual carer, a group of carers or an ex carer (of any age) within Torbay.

Unpaid carers who have been shortlisted for a Blue Shield Award will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in March 2017 when the winners will be revealed.

To nominate an unpaid carer for a Blue Shield Award please visit contact Signposts for Carers on (01803) 666620 or download a copy from www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/carers