SCORES of unpaid carers from across the county descended on Chorley's Lancashire College to take part in a unique residential course.

Twenty-eight carers from across the Lancashire region were at the college on Southport Road, Chorley, last week to take part in a three-day block course, entitled Taking Care of the Carer.

The course involved a 24-hour recharge for mind and body, which included sessions on relaxation techniques, self-protection, assertiveness and gentle keep-fit exercises.

The party of carers also visited Chorley's Auldene Garden Centre last Friday morning where they learnt all about container gardening for Autumn and Winter.

The residential course was part of a county-wide project funded by Lancashire County Council which was run in partnership with the Council for Voluntary Service, Carers National Association and other voluntary agencies.

The carers which attended the course were all members of Making Space - a voluntary organisation for people looking after relatives or friends who, because of mental health problems, cannot manage without support and help.

Trisha Dearden, 35, a carer from Rossendale who attended the course, explained: "The three-day course here at Chorley was absolutely smashing.

"Life as a carer can be very lonely and confusing, so it's great to get back some self-esteem and confidence."

If you are a carer, and you are interested in a three-day residential, another course is being planned in December at Lancashire College. For more information, call Donna Galway or Marie Carr on (01257) 516083.

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