After much discussion between ourselves and with carers that the project supports, we took the plunge and organised our first Carers Group.
Our aim was to give respite away from the cared for and provide a safe place for carers to discuss their daily stresses without being judged and with people in similar situations.
When planning family carer events, it is important to be mindful that sometimes a situation at home may prevent a carer from being able to attend. It’s not that people don’t want to attend, sometimes they are just not able to!
Family carers sometimes get really anxious and can also feel guilty about leaving the people they care for. They can dread going home and often get constant text messages or missed calls when they are out.
The first session took place on Saturday 18th September at 11am and in our eyes it was a great success. Unfortunately we only had two carers attend when we were initially anticipating four. However on refection this small group allowed the carers to feel more comfortable and relaxed in this new and unfamiliar setting. It provided a calming atmosphere for the carers to freely discuss what had been happening in their lives over the last few weeks. The group ran for 3 hours and with both the cake and the relaxed conversation constantly flowing the time soon went.
Carers who attended
- Carer for husband who has Complex PTSD
- Carer for both parents and lives with them – Father has Vascular Dementia
One of our carers was very anxious the day before about attending, so we arranged to send her a text in the morning. The carer did attend and said “had you not texted me on the Friday and on the morning of the group, It would have been easier for me not to attend. Sometimes I feel invisible in my caring role and would have just thought – no one will miss me if I just don’t turn up!”
At the end of the session, we asked both ladies for their feedback; on how they felt the group went, whether it was a good idea and if they would come again. Both responses were positive and agreed to attend again along with sharing the group with other carers they knew as well as organisations they worked with due to their caring role.
“I really enjoyed the coffee morning. I need to get our more and meet people. I also liked the fact that it wasn’t a big group as I struggle with social Anxiety.”
The next coffee morning will take place on Saturday 6th November. With more advertising and sharing of this new group session we hope to attract more carers. However as like all new groups/projects it can take time to establish a connection and interest from the community we are trying to attract. If the group continues to grow and increase in popularity, as I’m sure it will, we hope to include activities that the carers can participate in.
