Family Carer Support Groups
Many independent family carer groups run across Suffolk to bring together current and former carers to provide friendship and support to each other.
Local family carer support groups are a great way to meet other family carers in your area. The groups often run social activities and provide an opportunity to share information and experiences as well as a break from your caring role. You can be assured a warm welcome awaits.
Being part of a group can help you gain support and understand that they are not alone, through sharing experiences and resources, conversing with, or simply listening to others. Members of the group will have common goals or similar concerns.
These groups are independent, self run and self managed but are in regular contact with Suffolk Family Carers to help information sharing and ensure that the groups or individual carers feel supported.
Working together, the members of the group can identify what information or support they need and invite professionals, or other organisations to help them access this. Groups may also organise social events and activities as part of their journey together, helping them have fun.
View our events calendar to find the when your local group is next meeting
Groups currently active
Bury St Edmunds Group
1st Thursday of each month 12:30pm – 2:30pm
The APEX (First Floor Lounge)
Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD
Contact Yvonne 07796 622550 or ypcash@googlemail.com
Stowmarket Group
1st Thursday of each month 1.30pm – 3pm
Hillside Community Centre
Stowmarket, IP14 2BD
Contact: Shelagh on 07856 312860
Felixstowe & Villages Group
2nd Monday of each month 1pm – 3pm
The Old Felixstowe Community Centre
Margaret White Hall IP11 9NB
Contact Dennis – 01473 832591 or dennisweston.49@btinternet.com
Haverhill Group
4th Thursday of each month 1pm – 3pm
Chestnut Room
Burton Centre, CB9 8HB
Contact Jo – 07711669386 or jobrett100@hotmail.com
Dennis – dwendell@btinternet.com
Interested in setting up a new group ?
Carers groups can take many different forms. Some meet informally in a hotel lounge area for coffee and a chat, whilst others who have an organised programme of events including guest speakers, social outings and activities.
Many groups work with Suffolk Family Carers who can provide help and information in setting up, details of professional contacts and answers to common concerns.
Before creating a group consider the following. Our handy checklist provides more details
- What sort of group do you want it to be?
- Do groups already exist in your area?
- How often do you want to meet?
- Where do you want to meet?
Hold an initial meeting to gauge level of interest and if others are willing to help you. Suffolk Family carers may be able to contact carers in your area on your behalf to publicise your early meetings.
At this first meeting you should agree the group’s purpose and discuss its aims and objectives. Other things to consider include;
- How you will keep appropriate records
- Do you need to meet any legal requirements such as Public Liability insurance, safeguarding legislation if the group is to support young people or adults at risk.
- Simple ground rules such as listening to others, respecting confidentially, sharing responsibilities.
Once your group is nearly ready let Suffolk Family Carers have the details and we can promote it on our website, newsletter and social media accounts.
For more advice and help setting up a family carers group please contact us
