 | Bedworth Carers Group |
| This page is part of the archive of community profiles and was written in December 2003.
 Bedworth Carers Group, formally Bedworth Carers' Support Group, has been in existence for well over 15 years.
It has always been an informal, friendly gathering without any type of committee or subscription. Things are kept democratic and open and the group is run by carers for carers.
The purpose of the Group is for those who care for someone in an unpaid capacity, be it a loved one in the family, a neighbour or a friend, to share some time with others who understand their situation and needs, and be supportive in different ways. |
|  This also extends to ex-carers who may find it difficult to make the transition when the caring is over, or who merely wish to continue with the friendship they have found within the group. A meeting can be a social occasion, perhaps with some activity laid on, or more formal with a talk from a local organisation, a government body, or other varied and interesting speakers.
In the past, meetings have been 'chaired' by someone from CVS Carers Support who also brings along any news or information relevant to carers, on a national or local front. Previously this was Penny Storer, who last year took well earned retirement and has been replaced by Theresa Saunders. Theresa has fitted in well and helped the group take some major steps.
There are joint Treasurers, Gordon Nash and Will Roe, and as well as looking after the coffers, they have taken on some duties on behalf of the Group in what has been a busy and progressive year.
The group meets monthly at Bedworth Citizens Advice Bureau, located centrally near the market. The manager, David Gooding, and all his staff have been wonderful, welcoming and make meetings there very enjoyable. |
| No meeting is complete without the mandatory 'cuppa' and maybe a snack. Normally there is at least one outing a year, sometimes a trip with another Carers Group, but at Christmas time an annual Christmas lunch has now been established as a norm!
This year has seen the Group in a more active role. February was the 'official launch date' for the new venue at Bedworth CAB. The Mayor was in attendance plus many representatives from local organisations.
In June, in line with National Carers Week, the group put on a successful Tombola stall in Bedworth market in order to raise funds and local awareness.
Also in June, an absolute highlight. The group were invited by the Voluntary Services Bureau to take part in an awards day held in Bulkington. The Group received an award in the form of a plaque, plus certificates for all members. The plaque hangs proudly in the meeting venue at CAB.
The Group had a stall in Bedworth Civic Hall this year, among other local group and local authority stalls, giving advice and promoting activities and services. | |
| The annual Christmas lunch will be held in early December, with a full compliment of members and some special guests, laid on at the CAB venue. There is a full programme laid out for 2004, including a local trip out and another outing in the autumn. The group also hope to provide something locally for Carers Week.
Full details of these events and more can be found on the group's website at www.warkcom.net/bedworthcarers, where you will also find contact details and many useful links. |
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