"Grateful that this day exists"

When my wife was diagnosed with cancer for the second time I felt devastated and thought about all the ongoing treatment she would have to undergo. As a carer your life changes considerably, especially as I don't cook, also I didn't get any help or support the first time as we were living abroad and there is no support there at all.

My wife was contacted by  Oakhaven Hospice and was invited to attend the weekly day centre there and later I was asked if I would like to attend the monthly Carers Day. I must say this has been a big help to me, as being a carer you are very isolated and as I suffer with depression this made matters worse, the Carers Day helps you meet others that are put in a situation not of their own doing, with a lot of heartbreaks and setbacks.

The Carers Day at Oakhaven is light-hearted and fun plus we get fed, we sit and talk about various subjects and we get to know how each of us are coping with the problems at home plus give back advice, one day we went out on a boat around Southampton Port and we have had various speakers taking about their subjects they either do or have a passion for.

It somewhat a pity that it is for one day a month as I and the others that attend are just grateful that this day exists and look forward to it every month. One other thing is that we get access to counselling services should we need them.