AROUND 50 local carers attended a buffet lunch with live music to mark National Carers Week in Chard on Monday.
The event was organised and attended by members of Chard Carers Support Group, while people from groups based in Ilminster and Honiton were also invited.
The event ran from 12pm to 3:30pm at the English Martyrs Parish Hall and featured a spread of sandwiches and cakes, hot drinks and refreshments, and a raffle with plenty of prizes.
Entertainment was provided by singers Katie and Ian Holland while councillor Claire Brown, the deputy mayor of Chard, spoke to local carers throughout the event.
Monday marked the return of the gathering, which was held annually before the Covid pandemic began.
Pat Galpin, who has run Chard Carers Group for 15 years, said: “It’s usually just our group, but we invited the other two groups today.
“We’ve had a lunch and entertainment with about 50 people enjoying themselves.”
The volunteer-run groups exists “to help people who are looking after someone” and to “give them some respite”.
Pat said: “We’re here to help them if they’ve got any problems or questions. If we can’t help them, then we know someone who can.”
Alison Birket, who leads the Ilminster Carers Support Group, said the friendships made between carers at its group sessions are the most important aspect.
Chard Carers Support Group holds monthly meetings at the English Martyrs Parish Hall on the second Monday of the month at 10:30am and puts on occasional social mornings.
The group “offers the opportunity for carers to meet other carers in a relaxed atmosphere” and a chance to give each other support and advice.
The meetings can feature speakers and events including lunches, cream teas, and trips, while they arrange annual basic first-aid sessions.
The Ilminster group meets every third Thursday at 1pm at Monks Yard, and its activities have included workshops and a simple yoga session.
Up to 20 local carers from the town and its surrounding villages are supported by the Chard group, while the Ilminster group has 17 regular attendees and supports a further seven carers over the phone.
Both groups also aim to provide information about local and national resources and welcome all carers living locally.
The groups work with the Somerset Village and Community Agents (part of the Community Council for Somerset charity), who aim to provide confidential and practical solutions for people in need of support.
Village agents are based out of their local surgeries and try to connect people with the help they need and “put them into the right hands”.
This year's National Carers Week began on Monday, June 6 and aimed to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise their contributions.
For more information about support for carers in Chard and Ilminster, click HERE.
You can also contact Pat by phoning 01460 220026 or attend a local meeting.
Pat and the Chard Carers Group would like to thank the local traders who donated draw prizes to the raffle.
Gallery: Carers gather at English Martyrs Parish Hall for National Carers Week
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