Active Mid Devon is supporting Carers Week, which runs from June 9 to 15 ,throughout the county and across the UK.

The week is designed to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. It also helps people who don’t see themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access support.

Active Mid Devon, which is operated by Mid Devon District Council, introduced a fee discount for carers last month and since its introduction has welcomed 10 new young carers and five adult carers as new members. The reduced fees mean adult carers receive a 25% discount on membership, or a 20% discount on casual sessions, while carers under the age of 18 now get free access to Active Mid Devon’s facilities. The changes came into effect on 1 May 2025 and are being trialled for a year

In addition to the fee reduction Active Mid Devon has now become a registered Carer Friendly Community.  Being a Carer Friendly Community means Active Mid Devon can receive support, advice and training from Devon Carers, helping it support carers in the Mid Devon community.

Cllr Josh Wright, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement, said:

“We are looking at more ways we can support unpaid carers to prioritise their physical and mental health, while also providing a welcoming place where they can take a step back from their care giving responsibilities. It’s is not always easy to prioritise your own wellbeing but at Active Mid Devon we have an ambition to support carers meet others in similar situations, boosting their social network, and helping them to be active. Offering financial discounts and being part of the Carer Friendly Community means we can do just that.”

Active Mid Devon is also planning to support the new financial discounts by hosting drop-in sessions with care ambassadors, which we hope will encourage carers to take part in activities, while meeting other carers, and in turn support both their physical and mental health.

Eligible individuals include those holding a Carers Passport, young carers who possess a Young Carers ID Card issued by the Devon Carers Young Carers service, and parent carers of children who either have a Max Card from Devon County Council (DCC) or can provide evidence of receiving Carers Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

For more information visit www.ActiveMidDevon.gov.uk

Find out more about Devon events during Carers Week: Carers Week - Devon Carers