Caring for someone can be a strain, both physically and emotionally. It can also be very isolating. Carers often mention how easy it is to lose contact with friends and family.
A carers group provides the opportunity to meet in a safe space with other carers — to share what it is like to be caring, to swap information, make friends, gain support and have fun.
In Camden there are support groups for all types of carers; some for carers from particular backgrounds and also for those who are caring for people with specific conditions.
Camden Carers Centre runs support groups for:
All carers:
On the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, from 10.30am − 12pm at the premises of 'Mind' in Camden, Barnes House, 9-11 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ (near Sainsbury’s and next to St. Michael's church). The group is carer-led; activities include occasional invited speakers and days out.
For further information please phone 020 7428 8950.
Carers of people with mental health problems:
A support group for carers of people with mental health problems meets at Peckwater Centre, 6 Peckwater Street, Kentish Town, NW5 2UP, on the second Tuesday of the month from 10.30am − 12.30pm.
Contact Angela Edwards on 020 3317 6702.
Carers of African and Caribbean descent:
Meets first Friday of the month at Peckwater Centre, Peckwater Street, NW5 2UP, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.
Please contact Angela Edwards on 020 3317 6702.
Other carer support groups in Camden:
A group for all carers who live south of Euston Road
meets fortnightly on Wednesdays, 3 − 5pm, at Millman Street Resource Centre,
50 Millman Street, WC1N 3EW (entrance between 34 and 36 Millman Street).
Contact Sue Shickle on 0207 405 2493.
For LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender):
London Friend runs a drop-in for older lgbt people, including carers and their cared-for, on Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm, at 86 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, N1 9DN. Contact Rita on 020 7833 1674 or email rita@londonfriend.org.uk
For carers of people with confusion or dementia:
1. The Alzheimer's Society carers support group for Camden and Islington residents meets on third Thursday of the month, 2.15 − 4.15pm, at the Society’s Islington branch, Carnegie Street Day Centre, 1 Carnegie Street, N1.
Please call 020 7837 8723 for further information.
2. A self-help dementia carers group, led by carers for carers, meets at Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont Street, NW1, on the first Thursday of the month, from 2.30 - 4pm.
Please ring 020 7485 2968 for further information.
3. Netherwood Day Centre’s support group meets on last Thursday of the month, 10.30 am – 12.30pm, 5 Netherwood Street, Kilburn, NW6.
Contact Janet Williams or Angela Baxter on 020 7372 0750.
4. Former carers of people with Alzheimer’s group meets informally once a month for outings and events.
Contact Islington Alzheimer’s Society on 020 7837 8723.
For carers of people experiencing mental distress:
Mind in Camden provides a ‘Carers Space’ on Monday evenings, where carers of people with mental health problems can be supported by a qualified therapist on a one-to-one basis. Carers Space is held at Mind, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ. Booking is necessary.
Please phone or text Richard Oliver on 07956 418 601 and he will ring you back.
For parents of children with special needs:
Centre 404 holds focus groups for family carers of adults (18+) with learning disabilities.
Phone 020 7697 1336 for more information.
For Chinese carers:
London Chinese carers support scheme (advice, information and support), 29-30 Soho Square, W1.
Contact Jenny Lan on 020 7534 6547 or www.cnhlc.org.uk