TAVISTOCK is hosting the latest sessions of a 'unique' course to help carers overcome their isolation and lack of skills. The free St John Ambulance Carers' Support Programme was launched last year, and so far 40 carers in Exeter, Cullompton, Honiton and Barnstaple have benefited. The four-session course is being staged at the United Reformed Church, Russell Street during March and April — giving local carers a range of help and advice on everything from basic first aid and managing continence, to stress management. Emma Healey, Devon's community development manager for St John's, said there are an estimated 5.2-million unpaid carers nationally, many of whom have to give up work to take on the role, and then become isolated, stressed and even injured. To be eligible for the free course, people have to be over 18 and care for someone over the age of 18, unpaid. Subjects covered are: an introduction to caring skills, managing continence, safer handling with advice on back care and prevent of injury, prevention of falls, basic skills in first aid, stress management, memory loss in older people — recognising and coping with it. The programme features four sessions of three hours on March 12, March 26, April 9 and April 23. Each day starts at 10am finishing with lunch at 1pm, which is provided free.