A CARERS’ support group set up by Carers in Hertfordshire (CinH) has moved to a new location after outgrowing its venue.

The Stevenage Carers’ Support Group, which formed in April last year, officially moved to Stevenage Leisure Centre on Lytton Way last Thursday.

Norman Phillips, administrator for the group, said: “By being in the town centre no carer has to use more than one bus to get to the venue.

“The ethos of the group is that we help each other because, as each of us is a carer, we understand the work and the stress that comes with being a carer for a loved one.

“We support each other with information, informal advice, friendship and understanding. No carer is ever turned away and that is one of the reasons we needed to move to a larger venue.”

The group holds activities and also has a lunch club, coffee mornings and a knitting group.

Originally, the group consisted of 13 carers and met at the Oval Community Centre on Vardon Road once a month. But, following cuts in funding by Herts County Council, CinH could no longer facilitate the group.

“With the help of CinH, we approached Cllr Sherma Batson to see if she could help us with a meeting room as the group members were not able to finance the hire costs themselves,” said Mr Phillips, who is a full-time carer to his wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Cllr Batson arranged for the group to use a meeting room at the Stevenage Borough Council offices in Danestrete, but the group has now grown to 30 carers needing more space.

The opening on June 27, at the Ellen Terry Suite in the Stevenage Leisure Centre, was attended by Stevenage mayor Jack Pickersgill and deputy mayor Cllr Batson, and the chairman Andrew Mills and chief executive officer Sue Reeve of CinH.

For more information about the group visit www.carersinherts.org.uk