CARERS...
Look after family, partners or friends in need of help.
Because they are ill, frail or have a disability.
The care they provide is unpaid.

THE CHEPSTOW AND CALDICOT CARERS' SUPPORT GROUP
Chairman: Hermione Ford (01291-689233)
Secretary: Patsy Lewis (01291-420602)
Office: 'Cobblers Pitch', Highmoor Hill,
Caerwent, Monmouthshire NP26 5PF

Dear Carer,

CARERS WEEK

What a busy week! During Carers Week there were information stalls at the Chepstow hospital, Somerfield in Caldicot and Tesco's in Chepstow. Members of the Group were on hand to distribute leaflets and sixty were given out, some to those who do not think of themselves as carers. (Most of us start off like that!) We hope that some of the people we spoke to will come to our Group, where they would be warmly welcomed. Some people did not take leaflets but showed interest in the stand and talked about carers' issues. So the stands made a very good impact and pro- vided interest and information.

Boverton House was the venue for our Carers Week meeting where we were pleased to meet some new carers who minted well with established members of the Group. The theme of the week was 'Opportunities'. Hermione, who welcomed everyone to the day's events, opened the meeting. Vicky Brown of Boverton then spoke of the opportunities at Boverton and gave details of Carers who attend a computer class on Thursdays. Each class member is at a different stage in computing and can concentrate on any aspect that they choose. It offers a wonderful opportunity to familiarise with computers and could be useful to gain employment. One of the Group has become a Receptionist at Boverton.

Patsy presented the programme and explained the theme of the week and the possibilities of what an 'opportunity' might mean to a Carer. This could be in learning, leisure or work. The latest research that Carers UK has produced is called 'Missed Opportunities'. This is based on a survey of nearly 2,000 Carers who were asked what difference Government reforms had made to their lives. The overwhelming message is that too many carers are still not getting the help they need, in spite of the fact that Carers save the economy £57 billion a year, the equivalent of a second NHS. We had a speaker Christine Smith, who is the Carers Assessment Worker for the South of Monmouthshire. She talked about the Carers Project which consists of the two Carers Assessment Workers, the Monmouthshire Carers Development Worker, and the Young Carers Worker. We talked about Carers Assessments and how to get one. And what a Carers Assessment can do for you.
After that we welcomed Sue Pritchard who is the new Chairman of the Local Health Board. She first of all told us about her own close encounter with caring. She contrasted her own family experience with her hus- band's family experience in two different local authorities. She said that she empathized with carers and would do what she could to support Carers in Monmouthshire. We heard, at last, that Social Services and Health would be working together now on Carers' issues.
There was some hope for Gloucestershire Carers when she said that the LHB are looking at the plight of Carers over the border and the possibility of bringing them under the jurisdiction of Monmouthshire for all services.
This would take some time of course but it would be a very popular move and none too soon. Ruth Iles, the new Carers Member on the Health Board, spoke of her new duties and movingly of her daughter's illness. As she said, this new job she has been appointed to will enable her to use her caring experiences to help others as well as to give her a new opportunity in life which she could never have envisaged during her caring role. It was interesting to hear these two speakers and we hope that at last, Health and Social Services will be working together for the benefit of those at the receiving end.

During the whole of our Carers Day, carers flitted in and out to have pampering and returned to the meeting looking much more relaxed after reflexology, Indian head massage and nail care. We are ever grateful to our Therapist friends for the time they give us at our meetings. We had a very good buffet lunch sponsored this year by the Chepstow Lady Lions Club. Many, many thanks to them for their support to Carers.

DIARY:

Thursday July 3rd - Meeting.
This is going to be a meeting with a difference as there will not be a speaker. We thought we would just relax and have a chat together. Lunch as usual with a Draw, but nothing very formal. Hopefully new Carers will make their way to see us and it will be good to get to know them - and each other in this way.

Friday 11th July - Lunch and Swim at Lindors
This starts at 10.30am when we meet for coffee. While waiting for lunch, you can walk around the beautiful grounds or go for a swim. The light lunch consists of two courses and tea or coffee and the charge is £5 with an extra £2.50 for those wishing to swim. Payment is to be made on the day. Let us know if you would like directions, transport or help with a sitter. Ring me beforehand with your details. This is a lovely day, we hope some of the newer members can come along to this too.

Thursday 4th September - Meeting
We will have Caroline Greathead, Legal Executive, coming as our Speaker. She has given us excellent advice in the past on Community Care and the Law as well as Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney. She is a joy to listen to.

If you want a chat I am at Gray Hill Surgery on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00am-12:00 mid-day. Anyone, subscribers or not, can come and see me there.
Ring 01291-420282 for an appointment or take a chance and pop in!

For transport to meetings contact Nan Smith on 01291-421665 or Fran Green on 01633 881142.

Best wishes,

Patsy Lewis.