Exeter Chiefs' Tom O'Flaherty is working with Devon Carers to raise awareness of the growing role unpaid carers play in Devon.

Tom's involvement is part of a new campaign, commissioned by Devon County Council and run by FamilyCarersNet, that will be reaching out to people who may not see themselves as an unpaid carer.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the role of unpaid carers into focus: the numbers of unpaid carers in Devon rose by almost 50% since the start of the pandemic, to reach approximately 130,000.

Unpaid carers are playing an increasingly important role in Devon. However, the vast majority do not self-identify as carers, and are therefore not accessing the support systems which are available to them, including those from Devon Carers.

Devon Carers provide unpaid carers with a range of support, from advice to training and workshops, peer support or assistance following a stay in hospital. They can also provide an alert card, carers passport and emergency plan, all of which offer practical help for carers and those they look after.

James McInnes, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Services, said: "As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we know that more people are caring for loved ones than ever before. The number is estimated to be as high as 130,000 in Devon but, worryingly, only 20,000 are getting the vital support available to them through Devon Carers."

Tom spoke of his support: "It's great to be involved with Devon Carers and raising awareness to so many people who are unpaid carers about the support that is available to them. I hope that through this partnership and my additional efforts, we can increase carer-awareness to a new audience and reach people who may not necessarily consider themselves to be a carer."

Andy Hood, Head of Carers Services at Devon Carers is actively behind the campaign: "We are delighted that Tom is supporting this carer awareness-raising campaign."

"We know that many people wouldn't think of themselves as a carer, but rather that they are helping a family member, a friend or a neighbour. Through this new relationship with Tom, we are hoping to break down misconceptions about what a carer is, and in turn, reach more people who need our support".

If you are looking after a family member, friend or neighbour and would like more information or to register with Devon Carers, please contact 01392 307720 or visit their website.