IN keeping with the West Devon Connect outreach sessions, which this month have a 'money matters' and 'helping yourself' theme, West Devon Borough Council is hosting a one-off special event on Monday October 18, focussing specifically on support for carers.

One person in ten living in Devon is a carer. Carers look after members of their family, their partners or friends who are in need of help because they are ill or have a disability.

Carers are unpaid, and many are unaware of the support that may be available to them from a number of agencies and organisations.

Anyone with caring responsibilities is invited to the event, which will take place at Tavistock Library between 3pm and 6pm.

Information, support and advice from a range of agencies and organisations will be available, including:

n Devon Carers, who, for example, run the 'Take a Break' sitting service

n Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS), who have information about community transport and support for the over 55s

n Young Devon, who provide specific support for young carers

n Age Concern Devon

n Community Volunteer Service (CVS)

n LINkDevon

n West Devon Borough Council's revenue and benefits service, whose specialist advisor can offer information and advice on benefits and financial support.

The specialist benefits advisor will also be attending the Connect outreach sessions being held on Tuesday October 19 in Hatherleigh Market, and on Friday October 22 in Whiddons Café, Chagford.

A West Devon Borough Council customer service advisor will be at all the outreach sessions to answer queries on a range of other public services.