Looking after yourself

When you are a carer, it is very important to remember your own health and wellbeing, both for your own sake and that of the person you care for.

Take time to yourself.
Have a health and wellbeing check at your GP Practice.
Talk to someone.
There are groups across the bay that cater for all ages, contact Signposts for Carers for more details, or see below.
You may need emotional support relating to your caring role.
There are a range of courses to help carers to manage the care they provide and their own health and wellbeing better such as managing stress or manual handling.
If your situation is complex, then a carer’s assessment can help you work out what support you might need.
Protect yourself and the people you care for by getting your flu and COVID vaccinations.

Regular groups

Some carers find it helpful to be able to talk to other carers in similar situations. There are a wide range of carer support groups available in the Bay. Some are aimed at specific conditions (such as Alzheimer’s or Autism), others are more general, like our coffee groups. Most are face-to-face, but some meet virtually. Groups currently available to join are detailed below:

Parkinsons support group and Tai Chi (carer and person they care for)

When:: Every Monday, 2pm to 4pm
Where:: The Windmill Centre, Torquay
Contact:: Support Secretary – 01803 655417

Torbay stroke survivors group (carer and person they care for)

When:: Every Monday, 10am to 11am
Where:: Paignton Carers Centre, Paignton Library
Contact:: Rich – 07527 771914

Parkinson’s carers group (carer and person they care for)

When:: Every Saturday, 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Where:: Barton Baptist Church, Torquay, TQ2 8EU
Contact:: Ann – 07778 426653

Carers of adults under 65 with mental health issues (carer only)

When:: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 5pm to 7:30pm
Where:: Chadwell Centre, Paignton, TQ3 2DW
Contact:: Dave – 01803 546470

Carers of adults under 65 with mental health issues (carer only)

When:: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10:30am to 1pm
Where:: Paignton Carers Centre, Paignton Library
Contact:: Phil – 07799 658407

Memory café – Paignton (carer and person they care for)

When:: Every Saturday, 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Where:: Palace Avenue Methodist Church, TQ3 2SG
Contact:: Anne-Marie – 07974 561 721, annemariegibbs66@gmail.com

Memory café – Purple Angel (dementia support) (carer and person they care for)

When:: Every Saturday, except the 2nd Saturday of the month, 1:30pm tp 3:30pm
Where:: Barton Baptist Church, Torquay, TQ2 8EU
Contact:: Elaine – 07707 048595

Memory café – Goodrington (dementia) (carer and person they care for)

When:: 1st Tuesday of every month, 2pm tp 4pm
Where:: St George’s Church, Paignton, TQ4 6NG
Contact:: Bill – 07958 558066, herihy9@yahoo.com

Dementia carer’s support group (carers of adults over 65) (carer only)

When:: 1st Friday of every month, 1:30pm to 3pm
Where:: Paignton Carers Centre, Paignton Library
Contact:: Laura – 01803 546470

Special educational needs parent / carer support coffee group (carer only)

When:: Every Wednesday, 10am to midday (during term time only)
Where:: 23 Lucius Street, Torquay
Contact:: Jackie – 07796 470009, tissuesandissues@outlook.com

Carers of adults with a learning disability (carer only)

When:: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10:30am to midday
Where:: Jasmyn House, Midvale Road, TQ4 5BD, and online
Contact:: Helen – 07973 838789

Carers of adults with autism support group – dimensions for autism (carer only)

When:: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 2pm to 4:30pm
Where:: Paignton Carers Centre, Paignton Library
Contact:: Trish – trishdarke.dimensionsforautism@gmail.com

Young adult carers’ (aged 16 to 25) drop-in sessions (carer only)

Contact:: Young Adult Carers – 01803 208455, torbayyac@nhs.net

Carers’ coffee group – Brixham (carer only)

When:: Last Tuesday of every month, 1pm tp 3pm
Where:: Christian Community Centre, Brixham, TQ5 8DS
Contact:: Carole – 07385 407683, Lindsey – 07884 735578

Carers’ coffee group – Paignton (carer only)

When:: 1st Wednesday of every month, 1pm tp 3pm
Where:: St Paul’s Church, Paignton, TQ3 2PB
Contact:: Carole – 07385 407683, Lindsey – 07884 735578

Carers’ coffee group for Brunel and Chilcote carers (carer only)

When:: 3rd Thursday of every month, 1:45pm tp 4:15pm
Where:: The Anchorage Hotel, Torquay, TQ1 3PT
Contact:: Michele – 07555 354795

Men Matter – men’s carers’ group (carer only)

When:: Monthly meet-ups
Where:: Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton, TQ3 2NL
Contact:: Julie – 07748 884521

New members are always welcome at any of our groups. Please note that the dates, time and venues are subject to change. We recommend confirming details with the group contact before attending. If you have any questions, please contact Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620 or email Signposts for Carers.

Support videos

The following short videos are aimed at providing you with information relevant to supporting you to look after yourself better. In addition to this NHS England have developed a Practical Guide to Healthy Caring which contains tips and practical steps to managing your caring role in the best way possible.