A COUPLE have described how support from Tameside Carers Centre has become a “lifeline” while caring for a loved one with late stage Alzheimer’s.
Janet and her partner John look after Janet’s father, William, and regularly attend the centre’s monthly coffee mornings in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The events give carers the chance to connect with others in similar situations, and seek advice from wellbeing advisors.
“We care for my dad who’s got late stage Alzheimer’s and it’s a full-on job, so coming here is so good,” Janet explained. “We’re meeting new people, making new friends and actually going out with friends we’ve made here outside of the coffee mornings.”
She added: “We can come here four or five times a week just for a chat if we want to. If there’s anything we’re struggling with, we can just come in. Everything I’ve asked for help with, I have received it and I just can’t praise it enough.”
The centre offers a range of free sessions for registered carers, from meditation and wellbeing activities to seasonal events.
Janet said these have provided much-needed relief from the daily challenges of caring.
“We’ve been to the Summer Ball and the Christmas meal at The Village Hotel two years running – I was amazed it was offered to us for free but very grateful,” she said. “Meditation has been extremely helpful and we both now practice it. All these activities are free, which gives us that time away from our caring commitment as we’ve both been struggling.”
Councillor John Taylor, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Inclusivity, said: “Janet and John’s story shows how important it is to support carers in our community. The Carers Centre is a safe space where people can find connection, advice and practical help.”
Anyone interested in learning more can drop in between 10am and midday on Thursday, November 20, at Tameside Carers Centre – based at Tameside One in Ashton-under-Lyne – or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/carerscentre