BREAKFAST events to support unpaid voluntary carers in Worcester have been boosted with £5,000 grant from Sanctuary Group’s community investment fund.
Worcestershire Association of Carers has seen more than 40 people attend its first two carers breakfasts, one at Wayland’s Yard on Foregate Street and the other at Bill’s in Crowngate.
A third will take place on November 28 at Cosy Club in Cathedral Plaza and with around 12,500 people registered with the charity across the county, including more than 2,000 in Worcester, it’s hoped more carers will join together to share their experiences and make new friends.
One carer who attended a breakfast event said: “It’s an opportunity to switch off for a couple of hours and meet new people who have all got the same connection – caring for people. You don’t realise how beneficial these events are until you start going.”
Funding for the breakfasts has come through a community investment grant from Worcester employer Sanctuary, which is helping to run some additional well-being events for carers in Worcester this year.
Marie-Claire Wattison, Sanctuary’s head of community investment, said: “By spending time with people who devote their lives to caring for others and learning about their experiences, it’s clear events like these are hugely beneficial.
“It is estimated one in eight people in work are also carers and we recognise the importance of giving people the opportunity to simply meet, talk and relax.”
Carole Cumino, CEO of Worcestershire Association of Carers, said: “It has been great to see so many people smiling, laughing and just being themselves in the company of other carers.
“Not only are we looking forward to future breakfast events but also all the other activities people are able to get involved in.”
Visit www.carersworcs.org.uk for more.
