New ‘Carers Champion’ for Melksham

MELKSHAM Area Board has appointed local resident David Walker to the voluntary role of ‘Carers Champion’.  

“David’s responsibility will be to talk to and seek the views of Melksham carers on matters related to the services provided by Wiltshire Council and the NHS and to represent these views back to Wiltshire Council,” explains the community engagement manager for Melksham, Peter Dunford. 

Wiltshire councillor Nick Holder, chair of the Melksham Health and Wellbeing Group, said, “David has extensive experience as a carer having cared for his wife for over 12 years until she passed away from Alzheimer’s last year. During that time David has contributed to the work of Carer Support Wiltshire and he has also volunteered with and been a board member of Healthwatch Wiltshire and Evolving Communities.  

“David has previously spoken to the local press and radio about his role as a male carer and in this new role he will continue to have a public facing role with the media and will be attending local support groups to talk about the needs of carers, including the hidden army of young carers. 

“David is well known locally for his entry in the Melksham in Bloom competition for several years and for opening up his garden in aid of the Children’s Society.”