Site guide
Talk to others
It often helps to talk about your experiences and find out how others cope. You can share thoughts and ideas with sympathetic friends without having to leave the person you care for by using one of the many chat rooms and discussion groups around the world. As a general rule the advice is NEVER give out personal contact information such as telephone numbers, home address etc to anyone in the chat room. Remember - chatrooms have an open door policy so anyone can come in.
Male Carers Groups - Informal drop in sessions for male carers in worthing - a chance for male carers to talk in a male-only environment about their concerns.
This group is not running at present. Plans for another man to take over the co-ordination are under way. Please check this page for updates.
Care advice for the over 50s - Organised by Age Concern, free advice is available to carers over the age of 50 as well as family members or carers looking after someone over 50 at the Burgess Hill Town Council Help Point (96 Church Walk). You will be able to talk to an adviser on issues such as welfare benefits, housing options, care at home, family and personal issues and leisure activities. Sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 9.30am-11.30am on a drop-in or appointment basis. For more information phone the Town Council Help Point on 01444 247726. To make an appointment phone Age Concern's freephone advice helpline (Monday-Friday 10am-4pm) on 0800 019 1310.
You may like to be put in touch with someone who lives near you. Your local West Sussex Carers Support Services (formerly West Sussex Carers Network) can help introduce you to people or can help you set up an online discussion group yourself. They can even help find rooms for you to meet in if you want to start a carers group for your area.
Parents - Make Yourselves Heard Forum added 14 August 2007
Forum for parents and carers of children and young people with learning difficulties and other disabilities to discuss issues affecting them. It is a chance for parents to have greater involvement in decisions about current services, the support offered or planned changes; shared experiences with other parents; and a voice to help ensure children are fully included in society and have access to the support and facilities necessary to sustain and improve their well-being. The Forum meets every three months and takes place alternately at Southern Area Professional Centre, Glebeside Road, Worthing and Mid Sussex Area Professional Centre, Clarence Road, Horsham. For more details phone 0845 075 1008 or email parent.forum@westsussex.gov.uk
To talk nationally or internationally:
groups.google.com/ - Search for various national and international chat groups with Google search You can search for national and international chat groups with this google search tool. You can find chat groups set up to talk about specific subjects or even start your own group.Carers in Touch added 14 August 2007
Scheme run by 'Yours' magazine where carers can keep in contact with each other by telephone, letter or email. This can be a lifeline for carers to keep in contact with friends, make new friends, and talk about their caring situations with people who understand. To be part of this scheme write to Carers in Touch, Yours, Bretton Court, Peterborough PE3 8DZ giving your name, address, phone number, email address and details of the person for whom you care. Names and addresses will not be published in the magazine. Every carer who writes to them will have their name added to a list which is regularly updated and sent to all carers also on the list; individuals can then get in touch with the carers they choose.
www.carers.org/discussion/hosted-chat.asp The Princess Royal Trust for Carers website hosts a discussion forum, where carers can exchange a whole range of views, information and tips with other carers.
Share your experiences with others
Many people are now asking us for examples of what providing care has been like for others. Write about your experiences looking after someone; the successes, the frustrations, mistakes and triumphs. Why not send us Your story.
Setting up a group of your own
If you can't find a discussion group that covers what you want to talk about try setting up a group yourself.Have a chat with your local West Sussex Carers Support Services (formerly West Sussex Carers Network) who will help you set up a chat group or even a local support group if that's more appropriate. If you do, please remember to let us know so that we can tell other carers.