CHARD Carers Support Group met on October 10 with a packed agenda to discuss the plans for Christmas, a trip out to Trago Mills, the Community Car Scheme, and arrangements for the Christmas lunch.

The group also welcomed Judy from The Filo Project to the meeting to talk about what their organisation offers for the older person.

The Filo Project is a local organisation, operating throughout Devon and Somerset and helps people who may be socially isolated and/or with symptoms of dementia.

Each ‘day out’ is provided by carefully matched host to client (usually a maximum of four) who brings them into their home and provides a warm and welcoming environment.

What happens in each group very much depends on the make-up of the group and their preferences – some may prefer to chat and socialise; others may prefer more structured activities; the focus is on providing the opportunity for meaningful socialisation.

Lunch is provided for this ‘day out with friends’ and the clients are returned home at about 4pm.

The discussion prompted some questions from the Chard Carers Support Group about how each group/host is put together as well as the more practical considerations of risk assessment and costs.

When one takes into account the cost of micro providers in the local area, the Filo Project works out as an equally affordable alternative with the bonus of providing the cared for with some stimulating company, as well as allowing the carer some precious ‘me time.’ There is some funding available but this will depend on individual circumstances.

Chard Carers Support Group then went on to look at a focus group that has recently been set up to see how, post-Covid suspension of activities, some of the services available for dementia sufferers and their carers could be streamlined into more of a ‘one-stop shop’, make information available to both provider and carer in a more accessible way and whether training for carers can be accessed and improved.

Kate has been invited onto the group and attended a virtual introductory meeting in early October representing the view from the carers’ perspective.

A lot of opinions and information was gathered about support and information available pre and post-diagnosis, which will be passed on at a future meeting, though needless to say the question of having time to attend training was one of the issues raised.

Next month’s meeting is on Monday 14 November 10.30-12.30 in the hall behind English Martyrs Church in Chard. Ingrid from Flowering in Chard will also attend and the group will be hands-on with some Christmas floral projects.

If you would like any more information about the group, contact Pat on 10460 220026, Kate on 01460 394331, chardcarers@aol.com or find us on Facebook.

Contact The Filo Project on 0333 939 8225; www.thefiloproejct.co.uk; info@thefiloproject.co.uk (find them on Facebook and Twitter).

Written by Chard Carers Support Group