Unpaid carers in Somerset are invited to join Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Community Council for Somerset (CCS) for a series of drop-in sessions throughout 2025.
The first of the series is set to take place on Monday 31 March at Minehead Eye on Mart Road Industrial Estate in Minehead from 10am to 1.30pm and will include free information and advice specially tailored to support unpaid carers with their caring role.
Anyone who is looking after someone else in an unpaid capacity is welcome to come along to this free event, even if they are receiving Carers Allowance.
On the day, Adult Social Care staff will be present to help guide unpaid carers through questions they might have. Other organisations will also be there to give free information and advice, including:
- Alzheimer’s Society,
- Healthwatch,
- Medequip,
- Age UK Somerset,
- Citizen’s Advice and more.
The day will include a series of free seminars on a range of topics which cover areas frequently asked about by unpaid carers, including Lasting Power of Attorney, Direct Payments, Finances, and Guardianship.
Councillor Fran Smith, Associate Lead Member for Adult Social Care & Housing at Somerset Council, said:
We recognise the immense contributions made by unpaid carers and are committed to offering them the resources and assistance they need. Events like the free drop-in in Minehead are a part of our ongoing efforts to ensure carers are well-informed and supported in their roles.
We invite all unpaid carers in the Minehead area to join us if they have any questions or feel that they need support in their caring role. Your dedication and hard work are invaluable to our communities, and we want to help you every step of the way.
Christine Brewer, Team Manager (South) and Carer Lead at Somerset Carer’s Service, said:
Please do come and meet the local team of Village and Carer Agents who will be on hand to offer support and advice along with organisations including Alzheimer’s Society, Healthwatch, Parent Carers, Medequip, Citizen’s Advice, NHS Somerset, Headway, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and Energy Advice. There are fully accessible facilities, including a café for light refreshments.
We look forward to welcoming you, and your loved one or cared for is also most welcome.
Lauren Hunter, patient engagement and involvement manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said:
Carers across Somerset play a vital role in supporting the people they care for, when they come into hospital for an appointment or overnight stay.
We have a dedicated carers support worker, Oyeyemi, based at Musgrove Park Hospital, and we also offer support services through the health and wellbeing hub just off the main reception at Yeovil Hospital.
If you are visiting our hospitals and require assistance, please do get in touch with us on carersupport@somersetft.nhs.uk or thehub@somersetft.nhs.uk.
There’s more information about Somerset Council’s commitment to carers on its Carers in Somerset page.
