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Carers week: support available from hospice team
07/06/2021

“If I’m a bit low, I often feel better following a chat to my companion. My companion is a Godsend”
At the start of Carers Week one of our leading local charities is reminding us what support is available for those supporting loved ones. The Katharine House Hospice provides opportunities for carers to chat together, and offers one-to-one support and companionship.
Carers Week runs from today (June 7) until this Sunday. Organised by Carers UK, it is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and highlights the challenges unpaid carers face, recognising the contribution they make to families and communities.
The pandemic has had a substantial impact on carers. Research released for Carers Week found that carers lost, on average, 25 hours of support a month they previously had from services or family and friends before the pandemic.
The research revealed that more than a third of people caring unpaid for family members or friends feel unable to manage their caring role. 72% of carers have not had any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic.
Katharine House offers an opportunity for carers to meet people in similar circumstances through their fortnightly Carers Cafés. Running online on alternate Tuesdays from 2pm to 3.30pm, they provide an opportunity to chat with other carers, share experiences and enjoy some time out. The sessions can include a bit of fun with a short quiz and speakers for specific topics.
The hospice hopes face-to-face cafés will be able to resume soon.
In addition a Hospice Companion Service is available to help reduce loneliness and social isolation. Volunteers provide one-to-one support and companionship to people who have a life-limiting condition or to their carers.
Carole Widdows, one of the carers supported by a hospice companion volunteer, said: “The support I get is absolutely brilliant, I can’t fault it. It really makes a difference to me. If I’m a bit low, I often feel better following a chat to my companion. My companion is a Godsend, I couldn’t ask for a better match.”
There’s more information about the support available from Katharine House for carers here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam