Mums treated to PKAVS pampering day

Oct 7 2011 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A GROUP of devoted mums from Perthshire have been treated to a well-deserved pampering session.

The 12 women, who all care for a spouse or parent, were invited by the Perth and Kinross Association for Voluntary Services charity’s local carers centre to attend a specially-organised beauty day.

The centre organised a beauty day for 12 parent carers, with the mums enjoying facials, massages and manicures from beauty therapists Kathleen Gillespie, Sara Spittal, Heather Claydon, Diana Kemp and Naomi Lees – who all donated their time and expertise.

The ladies also received goody bags with items donated by Boots, the Body Shop, Dobbies Garden Centre and Stephens Bakery.

Parent carer Pauline Booth was one of those who clearly relished the experience.

“I really enjoyed the pampering day as it is not often you have the luxury of being pampered by such kind and lovely beauticians,” she declared afterwards.

“It was excellent.”

Angie Ferguson, carers support co-ordinator at Perth and Kinross Carers Centre, said yesterday: “Caring for a child or young person with additional support needs or long-term illness or disability can be more stressful than the normal parenting role and can impact on the whole family.

“Ensuring the parents receive sufficient respite time is crucial so they are more relaxed and more effective in their caring role.

The carers centre provides information and advice, informal advocacy, group support and respite for carers through day care.

For further details or specific information and advice for parent carers, contact Angie Ferguson on 01738 567076 or visitwww.pkavs.org.uk