A Cornwall-based Community Interest Company supporting unpaid carers celebrates its ten-year anniversary next month.
Tolvaddon-based Promas CIC was founded by Bernie DeLord and Jenny Tarvit with the aim of making a difference in the lives of carers in Cornwall. They had both experienced being carers themselves and understood the strains of juggling work, life and family.
DeLord said: “In 2011 we applied for a small lottery grant to run a pilot course, which was significantly oversubscribed. Cornwall Council recognised the value of and need for this work and supported us financially to continue. We were then successful with three years of additional National Lottery funding and now continue to develop our service with the input from professionals and carers.”
Promas CIC is now also recognised as part of Cornwall Carers service. It delivers free courses and activities to unpaid carers in a variety of subjects, as well as coordinating social activities and events for carers to socialise with each other. Promas CIC supports unpaid carers to feel less isolated, have respite from their caring role and learn new skills.
The team have also set up online training offering, telephone training and mentoring, allowing carers to take part in their courses who may not have the time or access to attend courses face-to-face.
Tarvit added: “We’ve seen lots of ups, and a few downs over the past 10-years. But thanks to our amazing team of course tutors, our funders and every single one of the un-paid carers who have accessed our services, we continue to make a real difference to the lives of un-paid carers.”
