CHARD Carers’ Support Group has received over £3,000 from Numatic International, the company behind the Henry vacuum cleaner.

Last year, the company raised money for the group and mental health charity Mind through a variety of social events and fundraisers.

Group leader Pat Galpin and Kate McElligott were invited to the manufacturing  company's base on February 9 for a photoshoot with a giant cheque for £3,744.84.

The money will help the group fund its work providing emotional and practical support for unpaid carers living in the Chard area. 

Pat, who founded the group 16 years ago, said: “This funding has come at a very welcome time.

“During lockdown we had to halt our monthly meetings and, although there was telephone and virtual communication, this enforced isolation was detrimental to both carers and cared for.

“Coming out the other side of the crisis, we have had a lot of work to do to get people back on track and this money will be used to take forward not just our social events but provide some respite and training for our carers.”

Becky Coombes, who arranges fundraising activity at Numatic, said: “We are proud of what our group achieved to support two worthy causes in 2022, Chard Carers Support and Mind.

“Here at Numatic, we organised a variety of events and raffles to include a Bingo, Quiz night a family fun day.

“Our group has 14 active members who all work at Numatic International Ltd.”

The group holds monthly face-to-face meetings, where members can find advice, practical help and signposting to assistance in a friendly atmosphere.

Different speakers are invited to discuss a diverse range of subjects, and members can enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with people who are experiencing similar problems.

The money raised by Numatic will be used to provide respite trips for carers (some with the cared for, and some without) and for some independent training sessions.

The group's next meeting will take place on Monday, March 13 between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the hall behind English Martyrs Church in Chard. It will feature a talk from the RSPB. 

Meeting dates for April, May and June will be slightly altered due to bank holidays and the Coronation, but updates and associated assistance and meeting dates can be found on the group’s Facebook page (Chard Carers' Support Group). 

For more information, contact Pat (01460 220026) or Kate (01460 394331), or email at chardcarers@aol.com.

This year, Numatic is raising money for the Chard Community Hub as its local cause.