SOUTH Hams MP Dr Sarah Wollaston has said that she will ensure the new Welfare Reform Bill is as fair and uncomplicated as possible for residents in the South Hams.

Dr Wollaston chaired the elderly care forum at Kingsbridge Comm-unity College on Friday, offering the 80 attendees some practical advice surrounding care in the local area.

The event was an opportunity to find out more about what is happening locally in terms of care for the elderly as well as what choices are available.

David Cohen, chairman of Kingsbridge, Malborough and Hope Cove Conservatives, who organised the forum, said: 'Our aim was for everyone to leave having gained one useful, practical piece of advice or information they did not know beforehand. I believe we did that.'

The forum tied in with Dr Wollaston's work on the draft Care and Support Bill. The Bill will change the way people are able to seek help with care.

Mr Cohen said: 'Listening to all Sarah has achieved, it was evident that she drew upon her expert knowledge in this area by inputting hugely to the drafting process.'

The expert speaker panel that was chaired by Dr Wollaston, consisted of County social care spokesman Cllr Stuart Barker, Elizabeth Bewley-Jones chairman of Saltstone Caring and Emma Handley from South Hams Citizen Advice Bureau.

Mr Cohen added: 'The speaker panel were at pains to demystify the draft proposals; explain the varying options open to us; and highlight from whom, where and how free advice and assistance were available.'

Cllr Barker explained the various stages of the journey which can be made through the levels of care available, from which it became apparent that there are aspects where the South Hams is well provided for and, equally, those where they are not – a fact he readily recognised.

Emma Handley of South Hams CAB addressed concerns over advice and assistance; and Elizabeth Bewley-Jones of Salts-tone Caring highlighted the support on offer to help people maintain their independence via the charity's new hospital discharge service.

A care package service that is available to the elderly in the South Hams was also highlighted.

'We are extremely grateful to all our speakers who gave us an interesting and informative evening but undoubtedly the event was enhanced by the wide range of information stands present', said Mr Cohen.

'Having so many organisations and groups in one place was an ideal opportunity to gain a wealth of practical information in one evening, along with free information handout sheets.'

The information sheets that were handed out to all who attended gave details and contact information for all the types of care that is available locally. Attendees were informed of the council care direct number: 0845 1551007, as well as various contact details for all the organisations that had stalls present on the evening.