Carol Dass

The founder of Footprints is Carol, whose partner, Paul, died in January 2003.  His death was the result of his dependency on alcohol.

Carol supported Paul through his dependency on alcohol and accompanying emotional turmoil.

During this time she often wished that a group existed so she could talk to others who were walking a similar path and could identify and empathise with her.  What she didn't want was to be told what to do. Neither did she want to be talked to as if she was just a carer who had to get caring right for the sake of the dependent.

Carol's dream, after Paul's death, was that such a group would exist to give support to the carers, no matter what decision they would take regarding their relationship. A group which would respect and support the decision taken by the carer and not try to persuade the carer in any direction.

It was the Carol beneath the label of carer who was suffering personally.  It was Carol and others like her who needed and deserved to be heard and understood.

All too often the needs of the dependent cloud the needs of the carer.  This realisation gave Carol the idea for a group and the name Footprints.

The main and most important different between Footprints and other organisations would be the focus, focus solely on the carer with reference to the needs of the dependent and not the other way round.

Carol:

• Worked for 21 years as a volunteer within a national crisis organisation.   As training director, was responsible for training in a wide area including national, regional and local training.

• Has experience in working with inmates in a Category A prison and working locally with young offenders

• Qualified as a Reiki Healer and Teacher

• Has completed two years study in British Sign Language

• Is a qualified therapist for auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture)

• Is learning Indian Head Massage

• Was elected to one of the 3 Public Governor posts in Gloucester under the Foundation Trust status the NHS Partnership Trust has applied for

• Now works as a driving instructor with her own school.  Is a team member of the Driver Improvement Scheme within the local County Council's Road Safety Unit.  Has responsibility for co-ordinating Driver Improvement Courses.

• Is part of the team that delivers the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course within the local county.  Carol delivers the session on alcohol and health.

• Her father was dependent on alcohol

• Cared for her partner for several years who was dependent on alcohol

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