Carers' Support Group
We invite carers to come together to share the difficulties and joys of being a carer. We also allow time and space for the carer to be themselves (something it can be hard to find time for otherwise) and aim to offer a range of activities of benefit to carers from information to relaxation and alternative therapies.
The service, which is run by members of the Counselling team, can be used by anyone who cares for a St Peter & St James Hospice patient, whether they are a spouse, relative, neighbour or friend.
Meetings are held once a month on Wednesdays in the Day Hospice at St Peter & St James from 2.30pm to 4.00pm. To find out dates or for further information please contact Les Shilling. Carers can feel free just to come along, there is no need to let us know in advance.
Is the service free?
Yes - All of our Hospice services are free of charge to all patients and their families. Carers' Support Group is supported by a Carers Special Grant from West Sussex Social and Caring Services.
What do carers gain from meetings?
An opportunity to focus on your needsCarers often experience difficult emotions. Sometimes carers feel that they should not express such emotions because they are not 'acceptable' and they feel they should be 'coping better'. Almost every carer feels these emotions at some time. They are a perfectly normal reaction to the situation you're in. Carer Support Groups allow you the opportunity to talk about these emotions.
Friendship
Sometimes carers can lose touch with friends and family because of changed circumstances and as demand on their time increases. This can lead to isolation and sometimes feelings of loneliness and perhaps depression. Getting out to a support group can expand your social network and can help break that cycle as well as assist with improving your overall sense of well-being.
Testimonials from Carers who have attended meetings:
"Suddenly finding oneself a carer is something of a shock, and many of us find our new responsibilities both distressing and baffling. I certainly did ... and still do.Attending your monthly meetings has proved enormously beneficial to me. Quite apart from the informal short talks from experts (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists etc.) the opportunity to meet and discuss with other carers who are dealing with similar problems has been extremely helpful. It has also made me appreciate that I am not alone, and real help is available from both experts and other carers in the same position."
Professor A. J. Buller
"I would like to thank you for setting up the group as I have found it very therapeutic at times. Please also thank the other members of the group for listening to my ramblings and for sharing the various problems. I do hope that more carers join the group as they will find it very enjoyable and informative. I shall miss all the excellent refreshments! Best wishes to everyone."
Anonymous
For further information please contact Les Shilling in the Counselling team.