A new carer café is set to open at the Methodist Church in Westbury and will offer a friendly space for those who are caring for someone, to enjoy a hot drink and slice of cake and speak to others who are also carers.
The venture is a partnership between Carer Support Wiltshire and Westbury Methodist Church. Trained volunteers will run each café and offer a friendly welcome and listening ear should people need to talk or receive information or signposting to help.
The first café will be held on Monday 9 October between 2.00-3.30pm and subsequently the cafes will take place on the second Monday of each month. If you are caring for someone feel free to drop in for all or some of the time.
An unpaid carer is anyone who cares for a family member or friend who could not always manage without their support. They might look after someone with a physical disability, learning disability, autism spectrum disorder, long-term health condition, mental health issue, or a problem with substance misuse.
A spokesperson for Westbury Methodist Church said: “Members of Westbury Methodist Church are very much looking forward to working with Carer Support Wiltshire in this new venture. The Church is situated near the roundabout at the junction of Haynes Road, West End and Station Road with easy access and ample parking.
“Do drop in for coffee or tea and cake, free of charge, a chat and some company. You will be very welcome.”
The 2021 census revealed there were approximately 43,860 unpaid carers in Wiltshire. Most of us are likely to experience caring at some point in our lives – 3 in 5 of us will be carers in our lifetimes and many of us will also need care.
Carer Support Wiltshire runs a phone line, offers support and services for unpaid carers and works towards creating a carer-friendly Wiltshire, raising awareness for the incredible and invaluable work that unpaid carers do, often unseen. For more information call Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118 or visit www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk.