A NEW monthly ‘Carers Café’ has launched in Melksham.
Facilitated by local charity, Carer Support Wiltshire, the café offers carers the opportunity to connect with other carers over a hot drink and a cuppa.
The Melksham Carers Cafè is being held at the Kings Arms Hotel in the Market Place, and it is free to attend, with no need to book – just drop in.
Upcoming dates are 9th June, 7th July, 4th August, and 1st September; all from 10.30am to midday.
Carers Champion for Melksham, David Walker, says, “Having been the full-time, unpaid carer for my wife Georgina for the last 12 years of her life until she passed away in 2021, I know how important it is for all carers to have access to both professional and non-professional support, advice, knowledge and personal experience.
“One of the most proactive and sociable support resources for carers are the Carers Cafés facilitated by Carer Support Wiltshire. The new Carers Café which is just starting in Melksham is an ideal opportunity for carers to meet up socially and share their experiences of caring.
“As the Melksham Carers Champion, it is also an opportunity for carers to talk to me about what changes they would like to see to make Melksham a more Carer Friendly town. We look forward to welcoming you to the Melksham Carers Café, and to Make a Difference for all carers.”
Carer Support Wiltshire is a local charity which supports unpaid carers. They say, “If you are helping someone who could not otherwise manage without your support, whether that’s a parent, child, partner, friend, neighbour or other family member, then you are an unpaid carer and may find the support we can offer useful to you.
“It can be easy to just get on with things but caring for someone – while often a wonderful thing to be able to do – can take its toll on emotional and physical health. Being an unpaid carer can also be isolating – we may not want to share how things are at home with others, or we may not easily be able to leave our loved one on their own to take time for ourselves.
“Carer Support Wiltshire offers a number of regular opportunities for unpaid carers to meet up, to socialise, offer support to each other and just to enjoy a hot drink and slice of cake (on us). As well as in-person meet-ups, we offer virtual cafes where carers can log in and chat from the comfort of their home. If you’re able to join us, we’d love to see you.”
You can find more details of the support Carer Support Wiltshire offers on their website, by calling 0800 181 4118 during office hours.
