An initiative which brings together Ripon’s growing number of unpaid carers and banishes isolation has received a cash boost.
Ripon City Council has ‘poured in’ £400 from its community grants scheme to help pay for the afternoon teas that are staged each month to help give carers – and their loved ones they look after – a much-needed break.
The events are organised by the charity, Carers’ Resource, which has been offering a range of help, advice and support to carers since it launched a dedicated Ripon office seven years ago to complement its long-standing Harrogate base.
Jill Smith, the Ripon locality manager, said:
The teas are a popular and helpful way for carers to come and have a break from the day-to-day stresses and hard work of looking after a family member or friend.
Sometimes they choose to bring along the person they are caring for to enjoy an afternoon of companionship and relaxation.
The carers may be caring for a parent, a spouse or a son or daughter and are often caring for many years.
They often feel isolated and we find that these monthly get-togethers are important as a break from their caring roles and a way of meeting up with local people in the same situation. Strong friendships have developed between carers providing mutual support.
The charity’s specialist staff also attend the events – held at its base in Ripon Community House – to offer information, advice and emotional and practical support to help carers cope with their caring situation.
For more information about the work of the charity in general, or the afternoon teas in particular, please contact 01765 690222 or visit www.carersresource.org
