If you’re looking after a family member or friend, whether it’s for a few hours a week or much more, you’re considered an unpaid carer. Caring for someone can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why Carers Support West Sussex (CSWS) is here: to offer support that helps carers stay well, connected, and informed. One of the helpful ways we do this is through our carer groups.
A daunting prospect
The idea of joining a carer group might feel a little daunting at first, and that’s completely understandable. You might wonder if a group setting is really for you, worry about sharing personal experiences, or feel unsure about taking time for yourself by attending the group. Maybe you’re concerned the group won’t feel welcoming or relevant to your situation, or that others in the group won’t understand your situation.
At CSWS, we hear these feelings all the time, and they’re all completely valid. But we also know how much carers can gain from connecting with others who truly understand what they’re going through.
Carer groups, formed by carer feedback
Our carer groups are here to support you, wherever you are on your caring journey. We’re committed to making these groups as welcoming and helpful as possible, which is why we actively listen to feedback from those who attend and continuously adapt the groups to meet carers’ needs.
Whether you’ve recently taken on a caring role or have been supporting someone for years, you’re very welcome. Even if your caring role is beginning to change or come to an end, there’s still a place for you in our groups.
If you’re caring, or have concerns, for a friend, neighbour, or family member, these groups are for you. We also offer a range of groups focused on specific conditions, so you can connect with others who may be going through something similar. You can browse the full list of groups here: Carers Groups and Events
We offer both online and in-person groups, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for you, whether that’s attending from home or meeting face to face.
Watch our short animation about groups here: What to Expect at a Carer Group
A Safe and Supportive Space
Each group starts with a quick reminder of our group agreement, which helps ensure a friendly, respectful, and confidential environment for everyone attending. Our friendly Carers Support staff and volunteers are always on hand to offer help or support, so if you ever feel unsure or uncomfortable, you’re not alone.
What Carers Are Saying
If you’re still undecided about whether a carer group could really make a difference, you’re not alone, many carers wonder if it’s worth the time, especially when life is already so busy.
Recently, two carers who regularly attend our Drug and Alcohol specific support group shared how much the group has helped them. Their feedback highlights the positive impact that connecting with others can have, not just in managing the challenges of caring, but in feeling less alone along the way.
“The Drug and Alcohol carer group is invaluable to both Jane and myself.
When we started looking for support for ourselves to help us manage as carers to our son who is a recovering drug addict, we really struggled to find any group that was for carers of addicts, either online, medical services, or charities. After a lot of searching and abortive attempts we found this group.
The issue of addiction in the family is one that we have difficulty in discussing in an open manner with friends and family for fear of embarrassment and the stigma that is attached to it.
We value the group for the following reasons
1) It is a facilitated self-support group of carers who are dealing with similar issues of having an addict in their lives and understand what it is really like.
2) It is a safe space for us to talk about the issues that affect us, to people who understand and will not judge us. This is something that we cannot do with family and friends, or employers.
3) We have learnt much from the shared experience of others, and it helps reinforce our commitment to maintain our boundaries.
4) The advice of the group and the facilitators is based upon real experience of having dealt with the issues that we face and much worse.
5) After each session, we find ourselves refreshed and reinforced for another month of battling with the mental and psychological challenges of dealing with our cared for.
If we did not have the group we would find the whole task of managing our family member a much bigger challenge.
Jane and Pete shared their thanks to Carers Support for facilitating the group.
Come and join us
If you’re caring for someone, you’re warmly invited to join one of our carer groups. It’s easy to get started, simply register with Carers Support and book onto any group that feels right for you (you’re welcome to try more than one).
Whether you’re popping in for a chat, looking for support, or just want to listen in, you’ll always be welcomed just as you are.
You can find group information here https://www.carerssupport.org.uk/carers-groups-and-events/ or you can contact our Helpline on info@carerssupport.org.uk or call 0300 028 8888
