CARERS in Southampton were given a rare night out with their loved ones with a Christmas party in their honour.

Southampton City Council and care provider SCA Group hosted the celebration at the city’s Holiday Inn for about 60 elderly people and their carers. As well as a Christmas meal, the partygoers and care staff were treated to a night of songs and entertainment.

Among the partygoers were Sue Cox and her four brothers and sisters, all of whom help to care for their mother Maureen Wain.

“Mum has been really looking forward to having an evening out with all the family,” Sue said.

“An event like this brings people together. With an illness like dementia you feel isolated. It’s lovely to come to an event like this and to talk to people and see what other families have to cope with as well. You don’t feel so alone.”