Lentune Probus Ladies Club met at South Lawn Hotel and after coffee, biscuits and a chat we settled down to listen to John Lay-Flurrie, an ambassador for the Honeypot Children’s Charity. John was a teacher and headmaster, and after retirement he joined as a volunteer with the Honeypot Charity. This charity helps carers aged 5 to 12 “by building brighter futures and creating happy childhood memories for young carers”. These memories can last a lifetime for the children involved and their families. 

The eligible child cares for a parent or sibling for 30 or more hours a week, single-handed. There is no help from the State for these carers and they cannot register for Carers’ Allowance benefits. 

Honeypot House is situated just past Exbury Gardens and was purchased 28 years ago. It offers respite breaks, memory making days out, pastoral support, a Social and Emotional Active Learning (SEAL) programme and a Wellbeing Fund. There are two other houses, in Wales and Scotland. 

The respite breaks are 3 days and 2 nights. They can play in the grounds, and there is a lake and woods. Care is put in place for the person the child cares for so that the child does not worry about them. They are given a home memory bag as they leave with toys, photos and books. 

The memory days out have included Paulton’s Park, a tour of St Mary’s Stadium, circus and pantomime visits, and a BA flight. The Pastoral Support Service works with parents and can help with schooling, medical services, benefits and signposting to other charities. The Wellbeing Fund can give grants for books, equipment, school uniform, trips and such things as a washing machine and a new bedroom. The SEAL breaks are in term time when the respite breaks do not happen. Parents go to Honeypot House with school staff.

John finished his talk by describing a visit to 10 Downing Street with some of the volunteers and children and his partner Jenny. They were also invited to the Girdlers Livery Company where John was presented with a Volunteer of the Year Award. 

The Ladies Probus thoroughly enjoyed this talk and were moved by the individual examples that John gave. Following the talk, the Ladies enjoyed the usual good lunch and chat with other members.