new organisation will provide emotional help – and a welcome break - for those who look after others.

CARERS in the Axminster area are being thrown a vital lifeline, with the relaunch of a support group.

Backed by the town’s Seniors’ Forum, the new organisation will provide emotional help – and a welcome break - for dedicated people who spend much of their lives looking after others.

It is targeted at carers who provide countless unpaid benefits by helping a disabled child or frail elderly parents or an ill partner.

Often they need support to carry on with their own lives, whether it is holding down a job, getting a night’s sleep, staying healthy or maintaining relationships with friends and family.

Now the Axminster Carers Support Group is being restarted to offer just that kind of help. The focus will be very much on what the carers would like, but it will give the opportunity to meet like-minded people, get advice and information, and make new friends.

On offer will be access to flexible-breaks grants, the ‘Take a Break’ sitting service, a benefits check, information about training opportunities and the carer alert card, which ensures cover if something unexpected happens to the carer.

Gill Wolfendale, Devon carers support worker, and Jeanette Ward, support group organiser, said: ‘We would be delighted to meet as many carers as possible in a relaxed, informal atmosphere to share ideas and suggestions on how they would like the group to continue for the future. If anyone thinks they may be interested, they should come along.”

Margaret Spencer-Brown, secretary of Axminster and District Seniors’ Forum, said: “It is very good news that the Carers Support Group is starting again in Axminster. As a carer myself it will be good to have a support group to turn to for advice and to find out what help is available. The Seniors’ Forum will be happy to help in any way it can, as we all appreciate how valuable a scheme like this can be for the carers and their dependants.’

The meeting of the Axminster Carers Support Group will take place at the Scott Rowe Day Centre, Axminster Hospital, Chard Road, Axminster EX13 5DU from 10.30am to 12 noon today (Wednesday March 14). Refreshments will be provided. Further meetings will be on Wednesday, April 4, Wednesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 30.

For more information, contact Gill Wolfendale on 08456 434 435 or Jeanette Ward on 01297 630428