2023-04-01-annual-report

BALLYMENA CARERS GROUP 2022TO 2023 Our Ballymena Carers Group has had a very full selection of event5 this year 2022-2023. Unfortunately, due to ill health I missed a few of the early meeting5 but Marion ha5 kindly filled me in on what went on. On September21Stfirst meetingof theyear, Roberta askedfor ideas from everyone regarding what we would like to do and coverthis comingyear. And we have followed up on quite a lot of your suggestions. On 12th October, our speakerjason from PSNI spoke about problems in the community like fireworks. speedingin bu1￿ up areas, scooters on the footpaths etc and who to contact what can be done. He left leaflets for allto take home. On yh November, Paul Black from Crime Prevention came with Jason from PSNI to cover how to keep safe from burglars and advised sirnple way5 to do this, like locking doors + windows +garden gates. Otherways of help through MEAP forall aged over 50orfrom the council. Ono more they left pamphlets and items to help keep our homes and ourselves safe. th On 14 Decemberstephen Sheerin from the council popped in wishing us well atthe start of our meeting. Lianne from MEAP and AGEWELLwas our speaker. She spoke about what is available for carers, like safetychecks. handyman sen4icesetc.she stayed behind to speak to any individuals who neededfurtherhelpandguldan￿.TherewaS also a Christmas treat of sandwiches and sausage rolls supplied by Grafters using a grant. Then we had our Secret Santa exchange. January saw our"Christmas" meal in Oranmore. The company and meal were ex￿lIent and well received by all. 8 Februarywas Yoga and Relaxation with Fiona Jones. Armchair meditation suitable for all. This was covered bya grant as werethe sandwichesand traybakes supplied by Corner Bakery. Thanks to Roberta for all the work she does. On 8th March Gwenand 8ridgetfrom Gordon s Chemistwere ourspeakers.Theyadvised us to keep artive and walk wherever possible with a friend rf that helps motivation. They discussed falls and fires and how to prevent them. They also advise to talkto your phamacy about overthe counter medicines and if they would affect your prescribed meds. 29h March was an extra meeting for us because we had to getthe use of another grant. Thanks again Roberta. Fiona Jones did amichair meditation. We were treated again to sandwithes and traybakes from Corner Bakery. th 19 April Esther showed us how to decoupage using a napkin and glue on a postC3rd sized board. She was very easy to follow and showed us step by step. Everyone seemed to enjoy doing thi5 and finding out otherways to use decoupage. Friday past, 5 of May our Coronation Afternoon Tea was a greatsUc￿sS at Oranmore, and we all received Coronation thimbles as keepsakes.