Carers to receive an improved service from Devon libraries

Carers are to receive an improved service at Devon's libraries, after the County Council introduces new terms that recognise their lifestyle and role as carers.

Research by Devon County Council suggests that many carers find barriers to library use including a lack of time to visit, a lack of regular routine and difficulty in planning ahead, due to the demands placed on their time.

To make it easier, from Wednesday 1 December, carers will be given free loans to audio books; free loans of music CDs; and reduced overdue charges and reservation fees.

The changes will bring carers entitlements in line with those for disabled library users.

Approximately 6,000 carers in Devon currently have 'Alert' cards from Devon Carers Link, although all Devon carers - an estimated 70,000 people - are eligible for the cards. All carers need to do to update their library entitlement is present their 'Alert' cards to library staff, on a single occasion.

Foster carers will also be eligible for the enhanced service, on presentation of their Foster Carer ID Card.

Carers have welcomed the entitlements.

Honiton carer Karen Wilson, said:

"Being a carer means that I have to prioritise the time I have around the needs of the person I care for. I have to be flexible, and sometimes the best laid plans don't work out right, as circumstances prevent me from doing whatever I've planned to do.

"Having this new entitlement to my library card will give me some extra flexibility around my day and will encourage me to use the library more."

Karen, who cares for her husband, has also taken up the Council's and NHS Devon's offer of free health and wellbeing checks for carers, which are currently available from Exeter Central Library.

Free health and wellbeing checks are currently available from 42 GP surgeries, health centres and pharmacists across Devon, and the authorities are asking carers to take time to consider their own health needs, in addition to the needs of the people they are caring for.

Approximately 1,500 carers have so far taken up the checks, which are available until March 2011.

Councillor Stuart Barker, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for the Adult and Community Services, said:

"Carers devote so much time to the people they care for that they often do not stop to consider their own health care needs.

"We are calling on them to take up these free health and wellbeing checks, for the sake of their own health and of the people they are caring for.

"We recognise the incredible value carers give to society, in supporting friends and loved ones, and recognise the strain and pressures that the role can have on normal routines, 24 hours a day, everyday.

"Providing this extra entitlement for carers that use our libraries is another way that we can offer help, for people to help others."

Devon Carers Link provides support to around 6,000 carers across the county. For more information about Devon Carers Link, telephone: 08456 431 341, or visit: www.devoncarerslink.org.uk

A list showing where the health and wellbeing checks are available is kept constantly updated on Devon County Council's website, at www.devon.gov.uk/carershealthandwellbeingchecks Carers can also telephone 0845 094 1502 to book their checks.

Current locations include Exeter, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton, Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Cullompton, Barnstaple, Bideford, Holsworthy, Buckfastleigh, Ashburton, Dartmouth, Bovey Tracey, Teignmouth, and Chudleigh.

click here for more details or to contact Devon County Council