MONDAY, February 13 was our usual monthly meeting, when we welcomed three new members and celebrated the 16th anniversary of the setting up of the group by Pat Galpin - and we ate a lot of cake.

Carers have come and gone in that time, but we try to help each one individually to achieve a balance in their lives and we keep carers abreast of the help that is available, as well as offering an empathetic ear to deal with concerns and anxieties, signposting or providing support as needed.

We have had a number of meeting venues since the group’s beginnings but the hall behind the English Martyrs is an excellent venue for us, with space and light, easy access and car parking.

This month we had a visit from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Simon has seen 30 years with the service and is now in education, providing home/office safety information to groups, schools and clubs.

There are conditions but, in general, if you have children under the age of 18, are aged over 65, have a disability, a thatched property, the fire service can visit your home to do a risk assessment and assess and advise about safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, positioning of electrical equipment and safety advice for dishwashers, washing machines, log burners, etc.

If eligible and you sign up for a visit you can be given smoke and carbon monoxide alarms free of charge with advice on how best to maintain them (how many of us vacuum our smoke alarms for dust?).

The talk raised a number of questions from the group, ranging from charging electric scooters to the inevitable cigarette smoking.

Kate attended the Crewkerne carers group on Thursday, February 16, where an interesting talk was being held about road safety.

It was good to meet with carers representatives from both Ilminster and Crewkerne and chat about the issues the groups encounter. Thanks to Cath Holloway at Sparks for organising this talk.

The next meeting of the Chard Carers Support Group Group will be Monday, March 13 from 10.30 to 12.30 in the hall behind English Martyrs Church at the traffic lights in Chard - we are hosting a talk from the RSPB.

Dates for April, May and June will be slightly altered due to bank holidays and the coronation so watch this space for any updates.

Do contact Pat (01460 220026) or Kate (01460 394331) for a chat or email us at chardcarers@aol.com 

Our Facebook page will keep you updated about information and associated assistance.