“In Touch” Volunteer Support Service for Carers and Former Carers

Sometimes we all need someone to talk to and often it can be helpful if this is not a close family member or friend. Carers are no exception – most spend their whole lives worrying about and caring for another person and sometimes their own needs can be forgotten. Many carers also become isolated because of their caring role – they find it difficult to get out and meet with friends or continue with activities they used to enjoy. Many are also struggling to come to terms with a loved one’s illness or disability.

When the caring role comes to an end it can also be helpful to have someone to talk to. Former carers may have experienced a bereavement or the person they were caring for may have gone into full-time residential or nursing care. They may feel they have lost their purpose in life, lost their confidence to go out and meet people, do new things or go back to work.

Although talking doesn’t always solve the problems it can help to relieve feelings of stress and enable someone to find their own solutions. With this in mind, our volunteers are available to offer a listening ear to carers and ex-carers who may be isolated and/or under stress. Our volunteers receive training in listening and counselling skills but they are not professional counsellors.

If visits from a volunteer would be difficult we also offer regular telephone support.

The service is FREE and aims to offer short-term support to carers and former carers, initially for 10 sessions. Meetings are usually held in the client’s own home but they may choose an alternative venue if this would be more appropriate.

We also offer group support for carers and former carers. Please see our "Events" page for details of when and where the groups meet.

How to contact us:

Contact the Co-ordinator, Felicity Packard, on 020 8302 8011 or email her at: felicity@carerssupport.org

For further information download the information for carers here.

If you are interested in volunteering for "In Touch", please contact Felicity Packard for more information (see above), or download further details here.

Counselling for Carers

Professional counselling for carers is also available. This is also a free service and is provided by volunteer, trainee counsellors who are supervised and supported by a fully qualified counsellor.

For more information , please contact us on 020 8302 8011 or email us: info@carerssupport.org.

“In Touch” Volunteer Support Service for Carers and Former Carers

"Being able to speak to someone outside the family, with someone who listens and gives their support, meant a great a great deal to me personally."

"This service has given me a lifeline and the support has been invaluable."