Saturday 27 May was Honiton Carers final 'Connecting You 'Walk & Chat' outing and what a fabulous sunny day we chose.

The Honiton Carers outings have covered Exeter, Sherborne, Newton Abbott, Salisbury, Dawlish, Axminster and today Branscombe on our 7 trips.

Each of them had something different to offer in their own way, but what they all offered was the "Walk & Chat" which is what the grant was for, as well as educating us all about how easy and comfortable it can be to travel by public transport.

We have all had a great time whilst exercising, making new friends, seeing new places and generally had fun. The carers have enjoyed their respite time, having peer support, but have also enjoyed returning back home sharing their new experiences with their loved ones.

Thank you to Connecting You/DCC for making all this possible - we have had a ball!

As a result of our feed back to "Connecting You" they have forwarded the following case study to Devon County Council on our behalf.

Case Study

Project: Walk and Chat Outings

Organisation: Honiton Carers Support Group 

2023 saw Honiton Carers Support Group launch new day trips for carers and ex-carers in Honiton and its surrounding villages, to help prevent loneliness. The 'Walk and Chat' day trips have enabled the carers to take time to themselves, to enjoy days out in Devon with their peers. 

Carers often spend significant time caring for others without time for themselves. The Connecting You funding has allowed the day trips to be fully funded, allowing carers to simply enjoy making connections and friendships during the journeys. 

Honiton Carers have supported the groups in trips to Exeter, Sherbourne, and Newton Abbot so far, with a further trip planned to Axminster. Each trip involved a train journey from Honiton station to each of the various locations, with an opportunity to explore the locations, grab refreshments, and enjoy the company of their peers. 

Winnie Cameron, Chair of Honiton Carers Support Group said: "The trips have been fantastic. Members of the group have really benefitted from them, discovering the ease of booking tickets and assisted travel at the train stations, as well as how to use the ticket machines and boards in the stations. Some members even commented that they didn't realise how easy the process could be! 

We have had around 25 people join us on each trip and each session has really helped the members gain confidence using these services, as well as enjoy the trips themselves."