RESIDENTS from the Settle area who are caring for a friend or relative are being invited to attend a new support group.

Carers’ Resource is setting up the group, which will meet every month in The Place, Commercial Yard, Duke Street, thanks to a grant from housing association Yorkshire Housing.

Debi Hawkins, of Carers’ Resource, said: “We know there are many carers in the Settle area who would benefit from the opportunity to talk to others in the same situation.

“We already have a lunch group for carers in Settle but this will give people the chance to just pop in and ask questions or have a chat.

“If you are caring for a friend or relative, and you need any emotional or practical support, information or just a friendly ear, please do come along and join us.”

Yorkshire Housing has given Carers’ Resource a grant of £350 to help set the group up and is keen for Yorkshire Housing residents who are carers to come along.

Karen McIntyre, community independence officer at Yorkshire Housing, said: “My role allows me to give grants up to £500 to community groups particularly in areas where we have housing stock and our customers can be engaged.

“It’s been a particularly isolating time for carers who do a marvellous job and it’s really important they get some time out, so we’re delighted to be able to collaborate with Carers’ Resource in Settle.”

The first meeting is due to take place on Thursday November 25, and the group will then run on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Carers are invited to drop in for a coffee and chat, and support from Carers’ Resource staff, who can provide information and a listening ear.

Carers’ Resource is looking for a volunteer to help ‘meet and greet’ and assist with refreshments at the new carers group. There are also volunteering opportunities with the Settle and Bentham lunch groups.

For more information, or becoming a volunteer with one of the groups, contact Debi Hawkins on 01756 700888 or email dhawkins@carersresource.org