SPEAKERS 2025

Wednesday 9th April 2025

Home Instead with Holly Willis and Talia

Honiton Carers had a great meeting on Wednesday 9th April at the Methodist Church, when Holly Willis Home Instead Digital Marketing and Communications Coordinator and Talia their Training Manager visited to give a reduced presentation on Safeguarding. Safeguarding is everyone’s business, but often we fear about speaking up if we do happen to observe something that could perhaps be classed as abuse.

We wanted the carers to learn as much as could possibly be packed in to an afternoon session.
The presentation was clear, concise and well presented. A lot to absorb but much appreciated by the carers who had lots of questions at the end. Holly took the opportunity to tell the carers what services Home Instead offer and how to book an initial free conversation. Leaflets were also handed out.

Refreshments followed the presentation and Talia and Holly accepted our invitation to join us moving around the tables chatting individually with the carers. They even brought a lovely Darts Farm lemon cake and also participated in the generous raffle.
Winnie Cameron thank Holly & Talia for attending before they departed at the end of a really lovely afternoon.

Right photo is of Holly during the introduction, left photo of the carers intently listening to what Holly has to say.

Wednesday 11th June 2025

The speaker of the month was Sam Passi from Silvertime Legal Services, who gave a talk about Tax, Care costs, Trusts and POA versus EPA. His presentation went down well with the group, who had lots of questions to ask Sam once he finished. Silvertime Legal Services do not charge to visit carers’ groups and in addition they offer each carer one free hour consultation in their own home, which is incredibly generous. They do not do leaflets nor do they have business cards as there is no pressure selling. A very relaxed and at times amusing presentation enjoyed by all.

We finished up with the usual cuppa and cake and a well stocked raffle, before we all left at 4pm.

Wednesday 9th July 2025

Fire Service visit, Darren Parish, Watch Manager Torrington Fire Station

Lovely afternoon at The Methodist Church today with Darren Parish, Watch Manager from Torrington Fire Station giving a presentation on their services and how to prevents fires. Really informative and very interesting talk. Frightening to know how often we don’t get it right. Darren brought a lot of various equipment for our perusal which they supply when making a home visit. Quite a few home visits booked today as well as loads of questions answered. Very enjoyable.

We also celebrated 5 carers’ birthday today with a delicious birthday cake made by ex-carer Jean Donald, a huge thank you to Jean. The afternoon finished off with the usual refreshments and the compulsory well stocked raffle.

Wednesday 13th August

Bingo with Sue East

Lovely afternoon playing Bingo with Sue East. Just being sociable with lots of laughter and fun. We welcomed Tia Fowler new volunteer who took today’s lovely photos. Stella Ford did the beautiful flowers, which were extremely well received by the lucky winners. The Bingo was followed by the usual light refreshments and a well stocked, well supported raffle.

Wednesday 10th September

How to deal with Mood Disorders

Great ‘Mood disorder’ workshop today at The Methodist Church with Trainer David Lacey from Devon Carers. Very informative and extremely interesting, everyone must have learned something today which they will be able to use at some point in the future.

Excellent turn out too, probably a record number for our workshops. The miserable weather definitely did not put anyone off.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers for their ongoing help and support, a special thank you must go to Stella Ford for doing the beautiful floral table decorations today covering for Barbara as she is sadly still incapacitated.