A GROUND-BREAKING programme to support those caring for sick or disabled loved ones has been hailed a success by participants. St John Ambulance Isle of Man launched Carers Support in May with a series of four free training sessions tailored to the needs of those taking part. Sessions covered the carer’s role and how to cope with the emotional and physical demands of looking after a family member or close friend, as well as practicalities such as first aid, fall prevention, safe handling and dealing with incontinence and dementia. Bob Leith, of Laxey, signed up to see whether he was following correct procedures. He said: ‘My wife has falls and I have learned to assess things before I react and take my time. I have refreshed the knowledge I have of first aid. I feel better prepared as a result of attending.’ Jim Teare, of Douglas, said: ‘I found out I am not on my own. I picked up lots of information about things I didn’t know were available.’ Another full-time carer, who wanted to remain anonymous, echoed this, saying: ‘I realise I am not on my own. I met people experiencing similar circumstances, obtained information about who to contact and how and enjoyed chats over lunch and coffee.’ Today the five carers who completed the course were presented with certificates by Andrew Swithinbank, Director of Social Services with the Department of Social Care, who said: ‘I am delighted to be presenting these awards. We at Social Services are very much aware of the work done by carers to support their relatives and the commitment made to the provision of much needed care. It is vital that the needs of carers and the pressures upon them are recognised and that they are helped in this way by St John Ambulance.’ Carers Support is run in partnership with the charity Crossroads Caring for Carers, is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing and is headed by experienced nurse Myrtle Dubost. She said: ‘The first course had attendees ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s and consisted of carers who were relatively new to the role and those who had been in the role for longer. The group therefore provided each other with help and support as well as learning from the training sessions and information provided, with all the participants saying that they would recommend attendance to other carers.’ The next four-week course begins on Thursday 14th July and future courses are planned for September and November. A maximum of 12 places available on each. A drop-in session will take place at at St John Ambulance Headquarters in Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, on Thursday 30 June between from 10am to 12 noon for anyone interested in taking part who wants to discuss more about what is involved. Those interested in taking part in a course should contact Myrtle on 674387/412284 or email myrtle.dubost@sja.org.im Myrtle said: ‘Sincere thanks go to volunteers Lynn Taggart and Jenny Fearn for their invaluable help with the delivery of the sessions and to Pam Crowe and Susan Temple for the nutritious meals they prepared giving all the attendees the opportunity to sit and chat to each other, giving peer support.’ For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses or to support its work via donations, please ring 01624 674387 or visit www.sja.org.uk/counties/isleofman - Ends -