At The Carers’ Centre, we often hear the sounds of laughter, tears and compassion flowing through the walls during cafés and activities. Here we share a story of how two carers, unknown to each other, have found friendship and strength – enabling each other to build meaningful connections within the wider caring community.
Cheng's story
Cheng recently registered with The Carers’ Centre. Since a close friend of hers passed away, and with added mobility difficulties, Cheng hasn’t been out much. She and her friend used to go on day trips and share lunches out together, but since losing her friend Cheng has felt sad and lonely.
As they both have mobility difficulties, transport was arranged to take both Steve and Cheng to the café together. Cheng felt instantly at ease sharing a lift to her first café and felt reassured to be arriving with someone who had been before.
On arriving at the café, Cheng recognised a friend whom she hadn’t seen for around 10 years, a friend who she used to meet for Christmas lunch – a very pleasant surprise!
She had such a lovely experience at her first café, Cheng hoped to attend the next one at the Chocolate Quarter but was nervous as it involved using the lift. Steve offered to accompany her and support her with this, to ensure she felt able to go.
“I am so frightened to go in the lift, but if Steve is there, he can come with me. He is a nice chap, friendly, and it makes a difference. I know him and he is a friend.”
Steve's story
On his own journey, Steve first registered with The Carers’ Centre around 20 years ago. He and his wife used to attend activities together until his wife’s health worsened, leaving her requiring a wheelchair full-time. Steve became a full-time carer and was unable to leave her for long periods of time.
Recently, though, Steve began to attend the Keynsham carer cafés and has benefitted from the social connection they offer.
“The last five years for me have been rough. Personally, we don’t get any visitors. From when we get up, to when I go to bed it’s just my wife and me. I see nobody, I speak to nobody, so the carer cafés are good, in that I can talk to someone other than myself and share problems.”
Steve with Carmen, Wellbeing Facilitator at The Carers' Centre. Carmen can often be found supporting activities and cafés across the area.
Below, Cheng and Steve share their advice for anyone considering attending their first carer café - whether you are new to your caring role, or further along in your journey.
Cheng
“I find it’s nice to go out, better than sitting at home. I thought it’ll do me good to go out and see someone else, chit chat for a couple of hours. I find it interesting.”
Steve
“Do what I did, bite the bullet and just go for the first time. You’ll find everybody is so friendly, we’re all in the same boat, we’re all looking after people. I didn’t think I’d take to it, but I’ve been so insular for so many years. I’m normally gregarious by nature but I’ve become a bit stranded in limbo, so it helps to go and meet complete strangers and chat with them.”
Carer Cafés
We'd love to welcome you along to a café soon. If you feel anxious about attending, contact our Wellbeing Team to discuss anything that would make the experience easier for you. You can reach them on 0800 0388 885 or email info@banescarerscentre.org.uk.
Explore the carer cafés listed in our activities programme.
Craft Group
Join a welcoming, supportive group with other crafters! Bring along your latest craft project and enjoy a chat with others. No tuition given but there will be plenty of good company!
Bereavement Help Point
A relaxed and supportive community-based drop in where all people who are bereaved are welcome. Run in partnership with Dorothy House Hospice and We Hear You (WHY).
Tapping for Stress and Anxiety
EFT or tapping blends acupressure from Chinese medicine with modern psychology. Combining words with gentle tapping you’ll learn techniques to help you alleviate stress and anxiety, and restore inner balance.
Catching Confidence Course
This course is designed to help you gain the confidence to set and achieve your personal goals, identify your next steps, assess what is holding you back, and develop a toolkit you can use to make positive changes.
