Honiton Carers Support Group held their latest meeting today (Wednesday 26 June) at Hospiscare's Kings House when the following speakers attended.

Rachel from Hospiscare was introduced by Winnie Cameron.

Rachel gave a brief talk about her background and history relating to the forming and running of Hospiscare and her role there. She emphasised that they are a local charity and that they cover people with all kinds of terminal illness, not just Cancer.

They have to raise 7million pounds a year of which 15% is contributed by the NHS, the rest by donations. This covers a population of approx. 39,200.

A Cream Tea was served and supplied by Hospiscare. This was very much enjoyed by all present. A huge thank you to Hospiscare for accommodating us today and for the lovely tea.

Winnie Cameron introduced Nick Wood from Devon County Council after the Cream Tea Mr Wood is a Business Analyst for Change and Delivery and Health Transformation.

He brought along a Booking Replacement Care Form which he asked Carers to fill in and return to him directly or through Mrs Cameron.

The object is to find out from Carers what they would like an on-line Replacement Care booking system, to look like. Carers feed back is essential to determine the best possible way to move forward with this project and hopefully they will be able to look outside the box for new ways of supplying Replacement Care.

Although this system would be on line, alternative methods of booking will be made available for Carers not on line. Mr Wood said that he was really here today to get a feel of what issues Carers faced and what they want.

DCC are looking at new ways of providing Replacement Care and not just as Residential Care Home Care. Problems such as Transport, Guarantee of getting where you want and where you want to go, getting Sitters, and much more was discussed. Qualifying assessments were also mentioned. Mr Wood took on board everyone's input and will now refer back to DCC.

Mr. Wood mentioned about Sitters & Personal Assistant Directory available to Carers on line. He spoke about Social Services and Care Direct which is a one stop shop and can answer any question, they do assessments for Carers and Cared for and referrals to Devon Carers. Urgent Community Response Team was also mentioned.

Honiton Carers next meet on Wednesday 10th July at Honiton Methodist Church between 2.00 - 4.00 pm. There will be a flower workshop and everyone will take away a beautiful posy made by themselves under professional florist Debbie Eden's supervision.

Carers need to book for this session if they wish to make a posy but can attend regardless. It is free to all Carers and light refreshments will be available.

For further details about Honiton Carers Support Group please contact Winnie Cameron on 07974 636926 or [email protected]