Thousands of carers missing out on support (From This is The West Country)

Thousands of carers missing out on support

5:00pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

THOUSANDS of carers across the Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne area could be missing out on valuable support and advice.

It is estimated that nearly 60,000 people in Somerset care for someone but only ten per cent are known to the authorities, leaving a huge unofficial workforce caring in silence. Hundreds of people in our area who act as carers for loved ones, friends or neighbours are not getting the emotional and practical support they need, it was claimed this week.

Pat Galpin, leader of the Chard Carers Support Group, said: “We really do need to reach out and help those carers who don’t look for support.

“There are thousands in our area from those providing 24-7 care to those who look after people when they’ve finished their own jobs.”

The Chard group is soon to come under the banner of the Taunton-based Compass Carers and project manager Linda Kerr.

“We have to get the message across to people that it doesn’t matter whether you are caring for a member of your family – you are still classed as a carer,” she said.

“We are here to support you. Some people are frightened to say they are a carer but we really can help.”

She said many people looking after a close family member did not see themselves as carers but were ‘duty bound’ to look after their loved ones.

One carer, Pat Moore, of Ilminster, who looks after her husband, said: “The group is very good and has provided me with plenty of support. “I would recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in this situation.”

The Chard group meets every second Monday of the month. The next meeting is at The Choughs in High Street on 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.