Our Story

Promas is the Cornish word for promise or undertaking.

We chose it to represent our commitment to working with carers.

We know that carers are very special people. We also know that caring for a loved one can often be unexpected and comes with no training on how to cope.

We’re changing that by providing free training that offers carers opportunities to develop their personal and practical skills in a safe learning environment. We’re linking carers to other resources that can help, too.

Our ethos

We started out as just two people (Executive Directors Jenny and Bernie), wanting to make a difference in the lives of carers in Cornwall.

We both have experience of being carers ourselves and understand the strains of juggling work, life and family. Through our past work, in New Zealand and the UK, we are very aware of the lack of support for unpaid carers and the issues they face.

Our mission is to ensure that every carer is valued and has access to the emotional and practical support they need to manage their caring role.

How we started

In 2011 we applied for a small lottery grant to run a pilot course, which was significantly oversubscribed. Cornwall Council recognised the value of and need for this work and supported us financially to continue. We were then successful with three years of additional National Lottery funding and continue to develop our service with input from professionals and carers.

How we operate

We operate as a Community Interest Company (CIC). That means we’re driven primarily by community benefit rather than by private profit.

We’re currently expanding our services to other counties and developing a national online service for carers who are unable to attend face-to-face training.

Awards

Most Innovative Training Provider in South West England — Global Health and Pharma Social Care Awards, 2017.
Outstanding Approach to Learning and Development and Outstanding Contribution to Adult Social Care and Support —CAHSC (Cornwall Adult Health and Social Care), 2016.
One of three organisations shortlisted for Carer Friendly Organisation — Cornwall Carer Awards, 2016.
VCSE Organisation delivering Learning in the Community — Winners of the Voluntary Sector Forum Awards, 2014.

Courses and events

From stress management to coping as a carer, we run a wide range of free courses to suit different needs. We provide all materials as well as lunch and help with travel costs.

We also work with local businesses to organise social events giving carers the opportunity to attend free social activities. We run between four and six of these events each year, each offering 50 places for unpaid carers.

We are financed through funding and donations. If you would like to make a donation to help us continue our vital work please click here.

Our Story

Putting carers first