Hi can someone tell me if there are any groups in my area of bodmin in Cornwall please
Hi @LIVERPOOL31
Welcome to the forum.
An online search came up with
They maybe able to signpost you. Unfortunately though it can be harder to find support in rural locations.
@Chris_22081 doesnāt live in Cornwall but in a rural location. He goes on a walk and talk with local carers. He can tell you more about how it started.
Carers Uk have an online directory:
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/support-where-you-live/
You may also like their online sessions:
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/online-meetups/
Hi @LIVERPOOL31 Welcome !
@Melly1 has already given you a link to Cornwall Carers and Iād endorse her comment that itās a great place to start to find info. Even though they may not have anything around Bodmin which they organise they may be able to put you in touch with other groups or organisations.
Iām in the Bristol/Bath-ish area so also in a rural spot - itās not too dissimilar to Bodmin - large towan 7 miles one way and another 8 miles the other with cr*p public transport.
I am full time carer for my husband, Graham who suffered a stroke 3 years ago and that resulted in us having to close our small business very suddenly. Since then heās had a cascade of other medical issues - cardiac problems, prostate cancer, some major continence issues, respiratory issues and since the end of August has spent a total of 14 weeks in hospital/rehab due to various problems. The latest was 5 weeks with a major Lung Infection and I spent 60 hours a week at his bedside providing care during those 5 weeks. No fun! But we keep going!
Iāve been fortunate to join a Walk and Talk Group organised by the Bristol Carers Support Centre. Iād had a moan that everything they did was based around South Bristol and then they put on this group for six weeks. A member of staff co-ordinated it and āledā the walks and we had up to ten of us taking part - meeting outside a supermarket and heading off round a large park and then bit-by-bit going a little further afield. At the end of six weeks we wanted to continue so we āself-organisedā and each fortnight between 5 and 8 of us meet and have a walk then race to a coffee shop and enjoy a continuing chat over a hot mug. This Thursday we have the co-ordinator joining us again as the Carers Centre are so amazed we have picked up the baton and run with it. Itās rathe nice that we are a success story and they hold us up as en example of how a small group can self-organise.
What do we get out of it? Well Iāve made some new friends; I escape my caring role for about 2 hours each fortnight; I feel I can open up to everyone - there has not been one walk where one of us has not unburdened and everyone has shared the burden and given support. We know more about each other than I thought weād ever share!! Out of the four regular blokes who walk, I think each of us had shed tears over the months and no-one judges so it proves its a safe space. That just goes to show how useful it is. How often do us blokes let our emotions show?
Living in a rural area is a pain when you need support. Iād suggest the CarersUK āCare for a Cuppaā which is detailed on the link Melly sent you. OK itās not in person, but itās a safe place to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Likewise on the Forum check out āRoll Callā thread as thatās where many of us have a chat about our days and have a good old moan about life as well as having some fun and a good laugh. You can ālurkā and chip in when you feel ābraveā enough - weāre a pretty friendly gang.
Perhaps youād like to share some more info about yourself - IF you feel comfortable doing so. Who do you care for / how long have you been caring / do you get breaks / do you get any help? That sort of thing so others can perhaps give some advice - oh there is amazing advice available on here - a wealth of experience and info!
I hope you feel you can share and join in the discussions and I am sure others will join in soon too.
All the best to you mate.
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