A SPECIAL event for carers in the Okehampton area was held at the Ockment Centre last Thursday.
The information and involvement morning was organised by carer support worker for West Devon Social Services, Rowena Lane, and Okehampton Medical Centre in partnership with Carmel Fanconi, manager of the Okehampton and District Council for Voluntary Service.
Funded by the Mid Devon Primary Care Trust, the event informed local carers about services and benefits available to help them care for people at home and consult them about their future needs.
Vincent Wilson, from the Devon Welfare Rights Unit, gave a comprehensive presentation on the benefits available to carers and the people they care for, which provoked many questions and discussion amongst the large group of carers present.
Carmel Fanconi gave an outline of the work done by the Okehampton CVS.
Rowena Lane explained her role was provide advice, information and support to carers and to co-ordinate the carers support groups which meet monthly in Okehampton and Tavistock.
Rowena can be contacted through the Okehampton Social Services office or Okehampton Medical Centre.
Hatherleigh Medical Centre also has a carer support worker.
Newly appointed mental health carer support worker Jan Adkins, who supports carers of people with mental health problems, was also introduced to the meeting.
The organisers hope to repeat the event in the future.