Support for carers

Carers of friends or relatives under the care of the Hospice have the opportunity to meet together on a monthly basis for a time of sharing together.

The Share 'n' Care group is open to anyone caring for one of our patients. The informal meetings are held in the Day Hospice on Thursday afternoons for about two hours. Carers are encouraged to attend for as long or short a time as they are able. There is always a cup of coffee and some home made cake provided and a listening ear available.

The enthusiasm for the group has been strong since it started, and some carers have found that they can develop bonds with each other that can be very supportive. There is usually time for a bit of pampering with a relaxing hand massage provided by one of the staff!

Speakers attend some of the meetings and have covered a wide range of subjects, from self help for insomnia to a session on safe handling of medicines led by the St Richards Hospital pharmacist assigned to the Hospice. All of the speakers have been well received, but as one of the carers said, ‘What matters most is that we are together for this short time, to share with each other’.

The group is run by Anne Bennett, Complementary Therapies Co-ordinator and Brenda Waters, Assistant Hospice Chaplain, assisted by Mary Atkinson, Gillian Etherington and Kate Russell.

If you would like to find out more about the group contact Anne Bennett Complementary Therapies Co-ordinator 01243 755833