FREE health and wellbeing checks for carers are being offered at a variety of pharmacies and doctors surgeries in West Devon, work which has received national recognition from the Carers Trust.

Working with Devon Carers, the support organisation for carers in the county, 78 out of 104 practices in Devon offer advice clinics to carers, and 65 offer free health and wellbeing checks to carers.

As part of Carers Week, this week, Devon is celebrating this success, and is calling for even more GP surgeries to offer free health and wellbeing checks for carers.

The hour long checks help carers consider their physical, mental and emotional health.

Carers who need one can also receive a vascular check to predict their risk of developing problems such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes so preventive action can be taken.

Carers are then supported to access any treatment or services they need.

Devon Carers is commissioned by Devon County Council and the NHS in Devon. So far Devon Carers are supporting about 12,000 carers, and the service is available for anyone who provides unpaid care to a family member, neighbour or friend who is ill, disabled or frail.

Pharmacies and doctors surgeries in West Devon offering the health and wellbeing checks are Chagford Health Centre, Hatherleigh Health Centre, North Tawton Health Centre, Okehampton Medical Centre, Okement Surgery, Bere Peninsula Pharmacy, Tavistock Boots, Tavistock Morrisons, Tavyside Health Centre and Yelverton Surgery.

For more information about Devon Carers, the checks, and an up to date list of the health check providers, and how to book an appointment, visit: http://www.devoncarers.org.uk/devon-carers">www.devoncarers.org.uk/devon-carers or call 08456 434 435. 

Alternatively, contact your nearest participating GP practice.