New meet-ups for unpaid carers to combat isolation

Event organisers hope to attract people who "who may not identify as carers”

Two charities have launched an initiative to help unpaid carers struggling with poor mental health and social isolation because of their responsibilities.

Open Mental Health (OMS) and the Community Council for Somerset (CCS) will be holding monthly meet-ups for carers to share their experiences and access support.

The two charities estimate there are more than 60,000 unpaid carers across the county.

Terry Barnett, who has looked after his wife Maureen after her diagnosis of dementia in her early 50s, said: “everywhere needs groups like this”.

There are an estimated 60,000 unpaid carers in Somerset

“The biggest thing for me is the fact that her memory is just a few minutes so it is question after question constantly - she can’t make decisions for herself,” Mr Barnett said.

“She relies totally on me for everything and it can be very wearing. You are constantly thinking for two people.”

Asked what the new group meant to him, Mr Barnett said: “As much as anything it is knowledge."

“You’re able to talk to people who know what you feel like, which is good because that’s the biggest problem,” Mr Barnett said.

“It’s an isolating situation, most people will tell you the same. We are isolated.”

Katherine West, of OMH, said: “It is estimated that one in five people in the UK are carers so we really do need to support each other.”

“Carers might have their own mental health concerns and we are looking to address a feeling of isolation that many carers feel,” Ms West said.

Sessions will be held at the ReCreations Community Hub on Rhode Lane in Hamp, Bridgwater, on the first Tuesday of every month.

As well as offering a space to share their own experience, the meet-ups will also offer practical advice and help connect carers with services such as respite care.