Free Carers Support Groups in Harlow and Colchester
“Offering a range of fun, engaging activities including Sports, Gym, mental health awareness, creative arts, education, employability training and access to qualifications.”
The purpose is to provide inclusive assistance and resources to carers through weekly “Carer support workshops” and access to a range of diverse activities to increase the support network available for carers in our community.
Our aims in the workshops are to Support carers in their caregiving roles by offering theoretical and practical assistance, emotional support, and access to resources to enhance the skills, well-being and quality of life of carers by addressing their specific needs and challenges.
In addition, we will offer a range of fun, engaging programmes including Sports, Gym, mental health awareness, creative arts, employability training and access to qualifications through our Bright HR and Alison online education portals.
This Holistic approach will foster a supportive community network for carers to attend and connect, share experiences, and receive mutual support. Furthermore, promoting awareness of caregiving issues and empowering carers, reducing their stress and burnout, and ensuring both carers and care recipients receive the support they need.
Accessibility is easy for participants as we are based in the Bush Fair Shopping Centre and Colchester Centre (Crouch Street). We also have a Minibus which enables us to provide a collection service to those that are not able to reach our hub.
Our Heartbeat Hubs in the Centre of town will be the main base where our activities will take place. The website will be accessible for all and would allow our Carers to access the timetable where they can identify their cohorts’ scheduled sessions as well as accessing additional workshops to book, giving them independence on what activities they would like to engage in.
Workshop topics include, understanding the needs of the individuals being cared for, providing personal care and hygiene support, handling challenging behaviours. (Full list available upon request)
All staff at The Hubs are equipped to run the sessions that support mental health and we are working in partnership with Mind West Essex to refer support where needed (whilst ensuring they are always in a safe environment). We ensure that regular feedback is provided from our Carers so that we can adapt and introduce activities based on their wants and needs.
Thanks to Essex County Council, the funding will have a huge impact on what we will be able to offer our Carers. It will enable us to provide a wider range of activities, whilst providing more support through more members of staff. We will be able to ensure that all the carers receive the help and support they truly need. Ultimately, changes resulting from the initiative will include improved well-being for carers, enhanced quality of care for individuals receiving support, increased awareness and support for caregiving issues in the community, and a more sustainable and resilient caregiving system.
Our service will further help to support participants with physical activities and access to local clubs.
We have risk assessments and polices in place to protect all people that come into our Heartbeat Hubs. All staff are trained in Safeguarding and First Aid and we also have specialist trained staff on site when people are accessing particular services within our hub.
Please get in contact if you are a carer and see what support we can offer you. Be apart of the community!
