Call to Carers in Somerset

The latest groups of Carers have made a difference by completing the St. John Ambulance Carer Support Programme received their course certificates at the St John Ambulance Divisional Headquarters in Yeovil and Wells.

Emily Lang, who is the course leader and trainer, was full of praise for them and the hardships they all have to contend with.

'These groups represent a good cross section of the ailments carers care for. From Alzheimers, to Bi-Polar, to Cerebral Palsy, each has their own issues but were able to share them with one another. We hear so often that carers feel isolated so it is great when they realize they are not alone, that there are others with sometimes worse problems that they themselves have. What we ask them to do is to spread the word that St. John is here to help and support them.'

The Carer Support Propgramme, delivered free in association with Somerset County Council, is run throughout the county and covers Basic First Aid & Care, Safer Moving and Handling, Continence issues, Falls Prevention and Handling Stress through Relaxation techniques. From January 2011 it will also include a module on Memory Loss and Dementia. It is run over four mornings across four weeks and a free lunch is included.

Over 700 carers in Somerset have benefited from the courses so far. To find out dates and venues for 2011 please call Emily on 01278 726740 or visit our website.