Vince Cable

The Homelink day respite care centre in Whitton celebrated its first 10 years with a special service in St Augustine's Church at which carers, clients, the Rev Rod Cosh who funded the project, Sue Hodder who manages it, and Vincent Cable MP spoke, the Mayor and Councillors also attended.

Vincent Cable said: "Homelink provides absolutely invaluable day respite for carers of the elderly, sick and disabled. It struggled initially to get off the ground because it fell between the cracks of Social Services and the NHS. But huge dedication by the volunteers, some generous support - by the RFU among others - and a big demand from local carers and GPs have turned it into a big success story. It now aims to go 5 days a week in bigger premises. Carers are amongst the most important but neglected groups in society and Homelink has given hundreds of them a lifeline."