Bridget started the Maidstone and Malling Carers project in 1991. The project expanded over the years and they acquired a budget for activities. “It was a chance to give people an outlet, some time to remember who they were before they took on the challenging carer role. And to have some fun.”
Fun is something that often gets put to the bottom of the pile for many carers. But the Maidstone and Malling Carers project gives carers in the area the opportunity to find it again. As well as the reading group there’s a swimming group, an art group and even a Zumba dance group.
The reading group has nine members and Bridget describes them as “an amazing bunch, very well informed with widely varying interests.” Bill Jackson is the only male member of the group. He cares for his daughter and so finds the female support and advice the group provides invaluable. “Over the years, you learn quite a lot about what caring’s all about, making your life a bit easier,” he says.
Lynda Allen describes the group as a real Shangri-La. “It’s a place to just be,” she says.
Maidstone and Mallling Carers Group recommend
A Conversation on the Quai Voltaire, Lee Langley – Our group found many individual interests explored in the story – porcelain, artists and places. The group thoroughly enjoyed it to the extent that a few thought it was the best ever book club choice.
Tomorrow to be Brave, Susan Travers – our first biography! Susan Travers is the only woman to be a member of the French Foreign Legion. Even our readers who normally avoid war books agreed it was an excellent read.
