NEW members are needed for a group which provides respite for carers in Gedling if it is to continue to offer day trips and parties.
The Take a Break carers' support group – which meets every Monday in the Gedling Road Methodist Church hall in Carlton – has held a Christmas party each year since 1994.
However eight years on it is struggling to hold the party as it needs drivers to help drop off and pick up members and equipment.
Christine Touhig, who founded the group when she was caring for her mother, who had dementia, said the situation was at crisis point.
The pensioner, who lives in Gedling Road, said: "It is really important we recruit new members because we won't be able to have a Christmas party next year if disabled members don't have transport.
"We used to be able to run trips to places like Devon too but now numbers have dwindled to around ten members from double that amount, we just can't do it.
"We really need drivers and people to help organise fundraising events, as well as someone who can set up a website, if we are to have any hope of running events in the future."
She added that the group would continue to meet on Mondays from 10am until 1pm.
She said: "We will still offer meetings but with the big events we need more people."
This year's Christmas party, which will be held at the Main Street Methodist Church hall in Carlton Hill, will go ahead on Monday, but it could be the last.
Carer Liz Carroll, who looks after her 96-year-old mother, said the party was very important.
Mrs Carroll, 66, of Canarvon Street in Netherfield, said: "The party is such a cheerful event and is a chance for people to let their hair down.
"Some people may struggle to provide a Christmas at home, and the party helps with that as a really festive time is offered.
"The group and the party is very important to carers and their relatives."
Group committee member Glenda Merryweather, 73, echoed Mrs Carroll's concerns.
Mrs Merryweather, of Balmoral Road in Colwick, said: "I joined the group when I was caring for my husband who had Huntington's disease and my mother who was blind.
"It really is important to carers because it offers a well-needed break.
"But the Christmas party is equally important.
"At this time of year people are stuck in the house and without something to look forward to they can get depressed.
"Christine has been brilliant organising all the events over the years and we have had some lovely trips away. But it seems like most of our male members have now died and we have less and less people who can help with transport."
To join the group or offer transport to help with its events, contact Christine on 0115 952 4482.
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