It was launched simultaneously across six different locations, including Kingsteignton ahead of national Carers Week.

Devon Carers brings together eight voluntary care organisations and charities in Devon.

The package, funded by Devon County Council and NHS Devon, is led by the Westbank Health and Community Care charity based in Exminster.

A county-wide telephone helpline for carers is one of the special features, along with a team of 25 carer support workers who will be working with GP surgeries to identify and support carers, a programme of flexible breaks grants to give carers the break they choose, a ‘take a break’ sitting service and a regular newsletter.

Devon Carers manager Matthew Byrne said: “Carers want a service which is responsive to their needs, a single phone call to Devon Carers will give carers access to the full range of the services we can offer.

“Carers also want one-to-one support, and so we have a team of support workers to work across Devon.

“Devon County Council and NHS Devon ran a competitive tender process for carers services in Devon which we are delighted to have won.

“This funding allows us to put our plans into action and to deliver the support to carers they have been asking for.

“Previously, different arrangements existed in different parts of the county council area. Now, we are able to provide a good quality service that is the same for everyone, wherever they live.”

The launches at the Passage House Hotel, Kingsteignton, and other Devon locations were linked by internet to the central speeches in Exeter with a celebration cake cutting at each launch.

http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/