As part of a programme of events organised by Monmouthshire County Council for Carers’ Week, twenty carers from the county attended a laughter workshop in Abergavenny’s St. Michael’s Centre, where they learned about the benefits of a good giggle on their ability to cope with their worries and the improvements that having a chuckle can have on their health.

Tracey Roberts-Jones, a carer herself, ran the workshop:

“Carers need time to look after their own wellbeing too and laughter really improves health – it lowers blood pressure, it lets off steam and it also acts as a very good muscle relaxant.”

The carers tried out exercises such as laughing in a certain accent and sharing jokes to get them all to have a hoot and relax for an hour.

Delphine Guy, 72, from Llangybi, enjoyed the session:

“This workshop was great. I look after my husband and spend a lot of my time caring for him so when I want to have a laugh I watch light comedies.  I think the last time I laughed was the other evening when I asked my husband to cut my hair - he was hopeless!”

Allen and Janice Jones from Abergavenny were carers for many years, looking after their son.  Janice said:

“We do our best to laugh whenever we can, we like to meet up with my cousin and have a laugh to release some of the tension.  Our favourite people who give us a giggle are the character Victor Meldrew, Paul O’Grady and Benny Hill.  The old ones are the best.”
 
Deborah Saunders, Monmouthshire County Council’s Carers Support & Information Worker was pleased with the way the session went:

“People from all walks of life are carers.  At some time in our lives any of us may be looking after a friend, relative or neighbour who needs help due to sickness, age or disability.  Carers do not receive payment for looking after their relative or friend, yet the care they provide is often 24 hours a day.  The release that laughing can give often makes the day a little bit more pleasant for a carer.”