Carers Together Meeting

Hello, my name is Linda M Byrne and l lead Carers Together that is held on the first Monday of each month from 10.30- 12.15, with the exception of July and August.

The group was established on 2nd October 2023.

I am a qualified social worker and for many years specialised in childcare & Child protection. Moving on to community care & mental health and for the last 21 years l have worked with unpaid carers and their families.
From my work experience l realised that there was a need for carers to have a safe environment where they could meet. This has resulted in us meeting monthly. Our door is open for carers to call in, discuss the caring role, carer related issues, have tea, coffee, sometimes soup, fruit, laugh, cry and essentially just be away from the caring role for a short period. We also have a short pause point/ reflection at the end of each session.
Since our meetings began we have had varied discussions, made jewellery, potted plants had social care workers/ physio visit and have had musical entertainers perform during our December session.
The running of the group is only possible with the help of three volunteers, Hilda Janet and Flo
If you are an unpaid carer please know that you will receive a warm welcome.

Please note we are all Safeguard trained, PVG checked and l also have had ASSIST and safetalk training as well as Trauma Informed practice level 1 2 3 .

if you wish to know any further information please do not hesitate to contact Linda or pop in where you will be made very welcome.

Email - linda77byrne@gmail.com

Monday 7th April 2025

Carers Together, our monthly group for unpaid carers met today.
We had an interactive discussion regarding the financial implications of being an unpaid carer and looked at some of the DWP changes being implemented.
We then had a 1 minute of complete silence as carers struggle to "get a minute to themselves." This was followed by gustily singing 1 song, a period of contemplation regarding spring and the Easter message.
We also took some time to select a plant pot, some bulbs and potted them.
Today there was a lovely sense of unity, happiness and worthwhile sharing.
We look forward to our next meeting on Monday 5th May.
If you are an unpaid carer this door is always open to you, please come and join us.

Monday 3rd March 2025

This months Carers Together session took place today and we did have such a laugh at times. We spent some time looking at the issues regarding sleep deprivation and some of the ways to combat it. The discussion was totally participative and informative with excellent contributions.
After our healthy comfort break we moved on to a time of crafting and that seemed to be enjoyed by everyone.
We then had our contemplative Pause Point and a lovely sense of peace and comfort was in our midst.