July Meeting - July 26th

Hurray - we had decent weather - the first time ever! We even opened the outside doors to cool the room down!
This month we were into technology and how it can offer a degree of independence in the lives of carees and some peace of mind for the carer. We looked at flood detectors, magic plugs that let the water out if the tap is left running, alarms, pill minders, special telephones. You name it, it was there. Dawn and Shirley, from the Enable Me Centre in Leamington Spa, carefully explained and demonstrated the different items, showing how they can help in different instances.

There was lots of discussion, trying out of devices, and suggestions for new ones! All members went away with a useful goody bag.

June Monthly Meeting - June 22nd

True to form for us, the day of the meeting proved wet and cold and no doubt deterred some members from attending. A pity, because this month we not only had flowers on the table, but also cake!
Andy Morgan from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service visited us and gave us a comprehensive guide to home safety. He was delighted when one of our members, a retired Fire Officer and one-time inspector, pronounced that if all the Home Safety talks were of this calibre, then Warwickshire is in good hands!
There was much interaction with what Andy had to say and, following his mention about the annual testing of Electric Blankets, Gillian agreed to contact Warwickshire Trading Standards and organise a collection of blankets from the village to save members having to go into Stratford.

Carers' Week Information and Awareness Event

June proved to be a busy month with our Carers' Week Information and Awareness Event that I first mentioned in May.  About 12 charities and organisations were on hand to help provide advice and information to carers and other members of the public.

Some of the many stands and displays at the event

At 11 o'clock we welcomed Ali Troughton, accompanied by her husband David, as our Guest Speaker. Gathered round the coffee tables,

Ali Troughton reads from The Selfish Pigs Guide to Caring

Anita offers Anne a free handmassage

Ali read two excerpts to us from The Selfish Pig's Guide to Caring by Hugh Marriot, including one which described a carer's four hour marathon, trying to get her husband out of the bath when he fell. The readings sparked some lively and useful discussion about carers, caring and disability and the varying attitudes of people who have and have not had experience of these issues.
In a small Carer Wellbeing section, Anita Swetman from Tranquil Beauty in Wellesbourne offered free hand massages and was kept busy all morning!