Working in Partnership: Devon Carers and the Quilt

Devon Carers is a service provided by Devon-based charity Westbank and is commissioned jointly by Devon County Council and the NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group to provide support services and assessments to unpaid carers across Devon. They offer a range of carers support services from preventative advice and information to carers assessments and support planning under the Care Act 2014 to over 27,000 unpaid carers across Devon.

The idea for the Community came abour after the team were invited to give a talk about A la Ronde and the National Trust to Devon Carers. The group were very keen on a craft-based project that would give them something different to focus on from their day-to-day responsibilities of caring for a loved one.

Ensuring that these sessions could work around the group's caring commitments, we organised a series of monthly workshops, led by National Trust staff. The first workshop included a tour of the property where the group were inspired by different aspects of the house, rooms, grounds, artifacts, and the story and spirit of A la Ronde.

The Quilt

Each person created a unique design based on what they love about A la Ronde. The resulting panels were made using a range of techniques and materials, demonstrating amazing creativity, imagination and skills. The final piece went well beyond all of our expectations and is a wonderful example of community art.

The quilt has been on public display at A la Ronde since April 2024. In September, the quilt will be carefully taken apart and pieces returned to their creators.

The project has been successful in keeping alive the rich tradition of crafting that is an integral part of A la Ronde, enabling carers to have the opportunity to share their stories and support one another whilst developing their creative skills and artistic flair.

It has been an inspiration and a privilege to be involved with this group and to see and hear them now regard themselves as artists as well as carers.