"Helpful and Supportive Carers Group"

As a carer of someone with a mental health condition if can be a long, exhausting and lonely road.  You often feel voiceless and powerless.  However you are the one who knows that person best.

The Carers Group at the Elgar Unit run by Tara and Helen is something I look forward to each month.  I feel they actually see and hear me and understand the toll being carers has taken on our family.

I can talk to them and other carers about the reality of what I am going through and they will listen to me and others and give us advice.

I understand the reality that Tara and Helen cannot make all our problems and worries disappear.  However, just being listened to and made to feel like you matter really helps reduce the loneliness you can feel on this journey.

They reminded me that looking after myself isn't selfish, it is essential if I want to remain a supportive part of my loved ones life.

I often feel guilty as there are times I just wish I could walk away from it all and they reassured me that these feelings were understandable and that I must take time out and put myself first in order to keep myself and my family well.

If you have a loved one who is on one of the inpatient wards I would encourage you to attend this group as I do feel in that moment they share my burden of caring which helps give me the strength to keep going.