FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER - Meeting St John Ambulance Somerset

Back from Plymouth to Taunton in time to meet my afternoon visitors from St John Ambulance Somerset. This proved to be a timely meeting following yesterday's encounter with Crossroads Care (see below). I was interested to learn more about St John's Somerset Carers Support Programme. Much in common here with the work of Crossroads and a good possibility that we may all be able to work together to develop a more joined up service for individuals in need of care and support and their carers across the County.


It was also good to learn more about the St John Community Projects and in particular their visiting Library and Volunteer Support Service to care homes. In addition to providing access for residents to a regular supply of books the service includes volunteer run reminiscence workshops for residents, particularly in dementia care, using life story books and "Memory Boxes". I was pleased to learn that several of our homes, namely Calway House, Moorhaven, Pulsford Lodge and Sydenham House already make use of this service.


Pictured are Ken Griffiths, Library Manager (l) and Ross Young, County Executive Officer (r) with yours truly, mindful of my recent manual handling (loads) update training (Tina please note!), insisting on help in lifting the "Memory Box" full of interesting memorabilia and conversation pieces.

Location:Central Office, Taunton