Warwickshire News Mine

All of the carers benefit from the South Warwickshire Carers Support Service and enjoyed the day out thanks to a grant from Warwickshire County Council’s Social Care Arts Fund and the Heart of England Community Foundation.

Over the course of the day, carers from across south and central Warwickshire joined together to enjoy guided tours of the art galleries, and were offered a range of free relaxation therapy sessions, Tai Chi, storytelling workshops and an opportunity to make clay tiles while reminiscing.

The ‘Memories and Mess’ workshops, led by Jennifer Cranfield, Compton Verney’s community historian and Beccy Roberts, drew on the tradition of chatting while you work. One lady carer was reminded of needlework sessions she used to hold with youngsters, which were an ideal opportunity to talk whilst doing something with your hands.

Manicures, pedicures, mini-massages, Indian head massages and cranial therapies were among the therapy sessions to choose from, as well as ‘colour confidence’ giving advice on the best colours for your skin tone. Lynda Ionoff from Tysoe cares for her husband who suffers from a range of medical conditions, including vascular dementia and epilepsy. She was particularly thrilled with her cranial massage session – the half hour of gentle motion was very relaxing.

“It’s wonderful to have a break, to just get out for the day. Compton Verney is a spectacular venue. My husband and I have spent many hours outdoors here, often having picnics with our grandchildren among the trees. Today he is being cared for by Age Concern so I can come here”, said Lynda.

The carers were also treated to a sumptuous two-course lunch provided by Amadeus Catering in Compton Verney’s beautiful Adam Hall.

The day was organised by South Warwickshire Carers’ Support Service who are supported by the County Council. They secured funding for the day from the County Council’s Social Care Arts Fund and Heart of England Community Foundation.  They partnered with Compton Verney’s Learning Team to combine the relaxation and the arts themes for the day. 

Zoe Parkin, Manager at South Warwickshire Carers’ Support Service, said: “The day was an outstanding success and carers have sent many messages of thanks for a relaxing yet stimulating day. The South Warwickshire Carers Support service offers highly valued support and this was one of the many perks of being registered with the service.”

If you care for someone at home and would like to know more about the service and forthcoming events, please call South Warwickshire Carers Support Service on 01926 485486 or log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers

Link to WCC