A popular group run by local charity Carers’ Resource has celebrated a landmark anniversary.
Dales Diners marked its 10th anniversary at the group’s get together on Thursday 2nd March, where carers and their cared for enjoyed a hot lunch, dessert and refreshments. There was also time for the attendees to tuck into a piece of cake baked for the special occasion.
A total of 36 people attended the event at Christ Church Hall in Darley, near Harrogate.
Dales Diners is for people with memory problems and their carers. The group gets together on the first Thursday of the month to enjoy lunch and a chat.
Carol Lancaster, Project Worker at Carers’ Resource, who has helped run the group since it launched in 2013, said: “We had 18 to our first lunch and it has grown to the numbers we have now.
“It was set up initially with carers from the Dale in mind but soon I was being asked if carers from further afield like Ripon and Wetherby could come. Of course the answer was yes.
“I know that carers enjoy the meal for many reasons. They have told me how lovely it is to go home, put their feet up and not have to worry about cooking a meal in the evening. They enjoy chatting with other carers and sharing experiences and exchanging ideas. They become friends and support each other. They are all caring for people with similar problems and understand the situation.”
Carol added: “All of us at Carers’ Resource are extremely thankful and grateful for the group’s very valued volunteers who are so kind and dedicated.”
One carer, who has been attending the group since 2019, said: “I like coming because I get to talk to carers and swap important information.
“Being at home can be quite isolating so it is a chance to talk to other people and make friends and have a meal cooked for you. The people with dementia feel relaxed because they are with people who have similar conditions.”
Another carer added: “I have been coming about four years now. It is wonderful. It’s the company, the food. All the volunteers are very friendly. We have made a lot of friends.”
The Dales Diners group wouldn’t be able to run without the vital support of a hard-working team of volunteers.
Lucy Tiffany has been a volunteer with the group since it began. She said: “It feels like we are giving something back and we are a team. The carers and cared for are so appreciative about what we do.”
Anyone wishing to attend Dales Diners events needs to book, either by calling 0808 50 15 939 and asking to speak to Carol or emailing clancaster@carersresource.org
