A CORNWALL-based Community Interest Company supporting unpaid carers, award-winning free courses and events is celebrating its ten-year anniversary next month.

The community interest company which is based in Tolvaddon near Redruth was founded by Bernie DeLord and Jenny Tarvit with an aim to make 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.  

Bernie DeLord, director, and co-founder of Promas CIC 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 input from professionals and carers.”

Promas CIC is now also recognised as part of Cornwall Carers service. They deliver 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.

Jenny Tarvit, director, and co-founder of Promas CIC says, ‘Our courses can change carers lives. Whether it’s managing stress, tai chi, art, creative writing, finding coping strategies, understanding dementia, caring for yourself or caring for someone with mental ill health to name but a few.

‘Every unpaid carer should have access to free practical and emotional support. That’s why we offer award-winning training courses, activities, and regular get-togethers. Helping carers in their caring role.’

‘We’ve seen lots of ups, and a few downs over the past ten years. But thanks to our amazing team of course tutors, our funders and every single one of the unpaid carers who have accessed our services, we continue to make a real difference in the lives of unpaid carers.

Bernie and Jenny are hosting a 10-year anniversary event on Friday 10th November at Truro Library to celebrate their achievements and thank those who have helped to establish a successful Community Interest Company

For more information visit promas.co.uk or promasonline.co.uk.