Melinda helps Focus to recognise 1,000th carer

Rachel with Melinda and support worker Elaine House

A West Swindon mum at the end of her tether at the beginning of the year had a lovely surprise on 11 July when Swindon celebrity Melinda Messenger dropped by with a bouquet of flowers to welcome as the 1000th carer to register with the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre, known in Swindon as Focus on Carers and Self Help.

Rachel George from The Holbeins in Grange Park turned to Focus for support when caring for her 11 year old son Lewis got too much for her. He has severe dyspraxia which means he has short term memory and difficulties coordinating physical and mental activity. With three other children to care for, her feelings of grief from the death of her father three years ago and trying to maintain her reflexogy business, Rachel spiralled into depression.

Focus provides practical and emotional support for anybody who looks after a member of their family, close friend or neighbour because they have an illness, disability or a frail with old age, often at great personal and financial cost. They estimate there about 18,000 carers in Swindon with over 4,000 providing care for over 50 hours a week. But as director of Focus Gillian Barber says, "a significant number of people don't recognise themselves as carers, seeing themselves as husband, wife, son, daughter, partner or friend."

Rachel said she became overwhelmed by the responsibility of being available almost 24 hours a day for Lewis. Now with help from support worker Elaine House, she has been able to put her life into balance again.

Melinda said she had experienced post natal depression after her second son was born and become more aware of the need for support. "I was delighted to be asked by Focus to help raise its profile; there are so many people who act as carers and need both recognition and practical help.

"It's a fantastic organisation which does not interfere in your life because you decide how much help you need. It's important to know that if you're struggling to cope, you are not alone."

Focus won't be able to send Melinda round to help you care for somebody, but they can certainly help relieve the burden. Call them on 531133, 9am to 5pm weekdays.