Why Join a Carer Support Group or Caré in Wiltshire
Attending Carer Support Groups or Cafés can make a big difference if you’re looking after someone. They’re not just about talking—they offer emotional, practical, and even health benefits.
They run throughout the month in various locations around the county, making them accessible and flexible. You don’t have to attend every one, just when you feel it would be helpful.
Of course, Support Groups and Cafés are not for everybody, and there are plenty more activities available to you if this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea.
However, for many, attending these groups brings huge benefits which can help you grow in feel happier and more confident in your Caring role.
Emotional Support
Caring can feel isolating. Being around others in similar situations helps you realise you’re not alone. You can talk openly without feeling judged alongside people who genuinely understand what you’re going through.Caring can feel isolating. Being around others in similar situations helps you realise you’re not alone. You can talk openly without feeling judged alongside people who genuinely understand what you’re going through.
Shared Advice and Experience
You’ll pick up practical tips from people who’ve been through similar situations—whether it’s managing stress, navigating services, or handling day-to-day challenges. This kind of real-world advice is often more helpful than formal guidance.
Improved Mental Health
Regular social contact can reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout. Having a space to vent, laugh, or just relax for a while can really improve your wellbeing.
A Break from Caring Responsibilities
Carers Cafés are usually informal and relaxed. Even just sitting with a coffee and chatting can give you a mental reset, which is crucial when you’re constantly caring for someone else.
Access to Information and Services
Many groups invite professionals or share resources about benefits, respite care, and local support. This can help you find assistance you didn’t know existed.
Building Friendships
Over time, these groups often become social networks. Friendships formed here can provide ongoing support outside the meetings, too.
Building Confidence
Learning from others and feeling supported can boost your confidence in your role and help you cope better with challenges.
Carer Support Groups in Action: From Hidden Carer to Community Volunteer
Below is a recent story written by Cyrillia, who was a Carer and is now one of the Carers Together Wiltshire volunteers.
She has been a volunteer running Trowbridge Carer Café for a few years now, and her story highlights the tangible benefits that Carer Support cafés can have for Carers, helping to fight isolation, and bring confidence and joy back into the lives of Carers.
This is her story, in her own words:
“Going back in time I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a Carer Cafe, never mind becoming a volunteer at one.
In the beginning I hadn’t known I was a Carer either. I was just a daughter, I did what daughters do, or for that matter sons, husbands and wives, even children.
Many unpaid Carers don’t recognise themselves as Carers and identify as “doing what needs to be done” for a loved one. Simply put unpaid Carers are often family members, friends or neighbours who support someone who couldn’t manage without them – for example someone who is older, frail, seriously ill, disabled, or living with a long-term condition.
I had watched my mum and dad care for various family members and then my dad had to care for my mum. Did he think of himself as a Carer in the early days, I don’t think so.
Years passed, then the time came when it was dad’s turn to move in with me. I was working part time by then and the first few years were fine but slowly my caring role grew almost withoutmy noticing.
Dad’s health continued to deteriorate and he had a fall while I was out shopping one day and I knew things needed to change. I contacted Wiltshire Council for support. It was then that I became aware of charitable organisations, whose mission is to help people like me, unpaid Carers.
As soon as I called they were so helpful.
They completed a Carers Assessment; I received the help and advice I needed, and I could ask for financial help to pay a Carer who would come in to give me some time to myself.
One thing that crept up on me was the feeling of isolation, even when I was in company.
I also felt trapped, as a social person, I missed the company of others who understood. Then I was told about the Carer’s Café, where I could meet others just like me.
I was nervous the first day, I nearly didn’t go in, but I’m so glad I did. I soon found that we supported one another, there was no need for explanation, we understood.
Though friends and past work colleagues tried to be sympathetic and make the right noises, I knew they didn’t get it, so I would change the subject. I wasn’t looking for sympathy.
I made new friends at the Café, we didn’t just talk about our problems, we talked about everything else, often making one another laugh. If we had any issues, there would often be someone who had experienced similar problems who would offer the odd word of wisdom.
If you need tailored support and advice, or a Carers Assessment, a friendly volunteer at the Café will happily refer you to the team at Carers Together Wiltshire and someone will get back to you to help you through what can be a difficult time.
After my father passed away, I was still welcome at the Café for 18 months and in my case, they were looking for another volunteer, and I offered my help, that was three years ago now.
I’m so glad I walked into the Trowbridge Carer Café that day.”
Cyrillia’s story is an inspiring account of how easy it can be to become isolated and stuck when a sudden Caring responsibility emerges.
By reaching out to her local Carer Café she was able to find new confidence and joy in her Caring role, making lifetime friends along the way.
What’s happening in Wiltshire
If this sounds like support which you might be interested in, make sure to contact your local Carer Support Group or Café to get involved.
Here, we’ve listed some of the options and useful contacts to help you get started.
Carers Together Wiltshire
Carers Together Wiltshire offers a range of events and in-person Carers Cafés where unpaid Carers can meet others, get information, and access friendly local support. The wider partnership also provides practical help including Carer Assessments, activities and breaks, a Carer talk and support service, and workshops to help Carers in their role. For more information, Carers can contact 01380 710300 or enquiries@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk.
Beyond Dementia
Beyond Dementia, as part of Carers Together Wiltshire, offers support groups for Carers of people living with dementia, giving them a safe and welcoming space to meet others, share experiences, and receive practical and emotional support. Their wider community groups are designed to be uplifting and social for people living with dementia and family Carers alike, helping both to stay connected and improve wellbeing.
They also provide training for Carers, including friendly online courses that help family Carers understand dementia, support someone well at home, and look after their own wellbeing too. This can be especially helpful for Carers who want more confidence, knowledge, and practical ideas as their caring role develops.
Parent Carers Cafés
For Parent Carer Café updates, signing up for the dedicated updates is a useful way to hear about upcoming sessions, including face-to-face and virtual opportunities. And for Carers who cannot easily leave the house because of their caring responsibilities, online Carer support groups and virtual sessions may offer a more flexible way to stay connected and receive support from home.
Wiltshire What’s Online
We realise that sometimes your caring role makes it difficult to leave the house.
Maybe you would benefit from attending online Carer support groups, if you are unable to leave the person you care for?
If so, check out the range of online events happening in Wiltshire on our What’s Online.