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Recognising and supporting those who care for others
This year’s theme, ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’, highlights the importance of valuing carers, listening to their experiences, and providing practical support so they are not left to cope alone. The Wellbeing Boxes aim to do just that, offering a small but meaningful gesture of recognition and care.
Delivered by the Together Team in partnership with Devon Carers, each box includes a selection of thoughtful items such as warm drinks, book and pampering vouchers, journals and pens. They also feature mindfulness cards, tips from Parental Minds, and Devon Carers’ “Give Me A Break” collection of carers’ stories.
Joanna Duke, Together and Carer Lead, explains the rationale for the project, “These Wellbeing Boxes will provide support to a targeted group of carers whose voices are currently underrepresented within the Adult Directorate, particularly those caring for someone with severe mental illness.”
Keeping the conversation going
Each box also includes a personalised letter inviting carers to share feedback about their experiences and any unmet needs. This ensures the initiative goes beyond a one-off gesture, helping to build ongoing dialogue and improve support for carers in the future.
Open Up is really pleased to have funded these Wellbeing Boxes as a small but meaningful way to recognise the incredible role carers play every single day. As Daniel Robson, Head of Charity at Open Up, explains, “caring for someone can be hugely rewarding, but also challenging and often isolating, so it is important that carers feel seen, valued and supported.” He adds that the hope is these boxes “offer a moment to pause, reflect and take time for themselves, and remind them that they are appreciated and not alone.”
