People who care are there to help people who care (From Chard & Ilminster News)

People who care are there to help people who care

12:00pm Saturday 2nd February 2013 in News

CARERS in Chard can receive support and advice at their doctors’ surgeries in the town.

Dedicated carers’ champions at Essex House, Springmead and Tawstock medical centres can help people caring for a loved one at home.

The News reported last week that thousands of carers in South Somerset are believed to be missing out on valuable support and advice.

It is estimated that nearly 60,000 people in Somerset care for someone but only 10% are known to the authorities.

Many carers do not see themselves as such because they look after a family member and see it as their duty.

Pat Galpin, who leads the Chard Carers Support Group, is keen to promote the message that carers are entitled to help and support.

She said a first ‘port of call’ could be their GP surgery in Chard, as each has a carers’ champion who can give advice and information about services and keeps a carers’ register.

Pat said: “If you are a carer and need support or advice – just go along to your surgery in Chard and ask to speak to the carers’ champion. They are there to help.”

The Chard support group, part of Somerset Carers UK, meets every second Monday of the month. The next meeting is at The Choughs in High Street on Monday, February 11, from 10.30am to 12noon.

Meetings will be held at the English Martyr’s Church in Fore Street, Chard, from March.

For more details call Pat on|01460-220026.