Having a voice

Torbay Carers Service really values the opinions of carers. For our services to be effective, we need carers to be involved in developing and improving them.

We are so committed to this, that it is two out of five priorities in our carers’ strategy.

We have a whole range of involvement opportunities:

• Online carers reference group – giving quick opinions about a wide range of subjects from carers’ information, web-content, or projects.
• Ongoing working parties about particular topics such as Signposts newsletter, carers education or supporting working carers.
• Representing carers’ viewpoints at meetings or in interviews.
• Co-delivering carer awareness training.
• Service evaluation – devising questionnaires and interviewing people (training provided).
• Representing carers in formal quarterly meetings such as the Carers Strategy Steering Group, Autism Partnership Board or Learning Disability Partnership Board.
• Getting involved in short-term projects developing support for carers or the people they care for. Projects for 2025-2026 need carers of adults who use replacement (respite) care or direct payments, and carers to help us identify risks to carer breakdown.
• Full co-production work – such as developing a carers information booklet (6 month’s work).

The different roles need different skills. Some need IT skills, some don’t. Some require regular commitment, some are one-offs. Some will need additional training.

Our consistent requirement is caring experience and a willingness to work together constructively.

We may be able to offer payment for your time / replacement care if wished.

Want to know more? Please contact Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620 , via our contact form or post a letter to ‘Freepost Torbay Carers Service’ (please do not write anything else on the envelope).