Self Care for Carers
Support Groups
You may find that friends and family who have not experienced being in a caring role themselves cannot always understand the demands and stresses of caring. If this is the case, it might help to reach out and connect with other carers in your position.
If you’re picturing a sombre meeting room full of miserable faces, think again! Carers support groups come in a wide range of styles and activities, from coffee and cake meet ups to outdoor adventures and free yoga classes!
Find out more about Carers Groups run by Carers First that are meeting locally in Colchester and Tendring.
Visit the Carers First website
Action for Family Carers deliver activities and groups specifically for carers.
Visit the Action for Family Carers website
With funding from Essex County Council, Action for Family Carers are delivering volunteer befriending services across the county as part of Essex Befriends. Services available include telephone befriending, face-to-face meetings within the local community, home visits, Skype calls, email contact and group activities.
Visit the Essex Befriends website
A number of other organisations support carers of people with specific conditions:
If you are caring for someone with dementia, for information about what support there is in your area you can find out more from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Visit the Alzheimer's Society website
Or you might prefer to contact the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connects Service.
Visit the Dementia Connect website
If you are caring for someone who live with multiple sclerosis (MS) you might find the resources on the MS Society webpage helpful.