A GROUP of carers who meet on a monthly basis have celebrated a special anniversary.

The Chard Carers’ Support Group has celebrated its 10th anniversary of offering help and support to people who work or volunteer as carers.

The group, which meets at the English Martyrs’ Church Hall in Chard, was originally launched as a support group for carers and members meet up each month to discuss the issues they are facing and to offer advice based on their own experiences.

Dozens of carers have used the group throughout the last decade and a special party, which was attended by Cllr Dave Bulmer, Mayor of Chard, was held to commemorated the occasion.

Pat Galpin, who originally launched the group in February 2007 and still manages it today, thanked everyone who attended the party, and all those who have used the service.

She said: “We started with nine carers and now I think we’re up to 48 carers who have passed through or are still attending each month. “We actually have five of the original carers still in our group.”

As well as providing a relaxed social club for carers, the support group also organises speakers to deliver talks to the group, about issues facing the industry and what funding support is available to them. It also organises trips and regular lunches for the carers to attend, and to take along the people they care for.

The group meets on the second Monday of each month, from 10.30am until 12.30pm at the English Martyrs’ Church Hall, and the next meeting will be on March 13. For more information about the group or if you would like to attend, call Pat Galpin on 01460 220026.