3.6. Emotional Support and Counselling Services (Preview)
Eight out of ten carers state that they have felt lonely or socially isolated as a result of their caring responsibilities. These statistics, taken from a report produced by Carers UK, clearly highlight the negative impact that caring can have upon an individual’s social life and emotional wellbeing. Loneliness and social isolation can also be contributory factors within various physical and mental health conditions. Some studies have also indicated that social isolation can be a contributory factor within health risks such as smoking and obesity.
Caring for someone can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and carers may need support to cope with their emotions in order to stay healthy and to enjoy their own lives as much as possible alongside their caring role. Carer centres offer vital personalised support to carers depending upon their individual circumstances and need; this can include 1-2-1 support from staff, counselling services, befriending support from other carers, training, group work and social activities.
Carer centres provide opportunities for carers to take a break from their caring role and focus upon their own needs for a change. Getting involved in activities can help to rebuild self-esteem and confidence by alleviating some of the emotional distress associated with some aspects of being a carer, which can often leave individuals feeling socially isolated and lonely.
Counselling services offer carers regular space and time to talk and explore worries, anxieties, low self-esteem and overcome trauma or emotional difficulties with the help of a trained professional. Counselling is not about advice or telling carers what to do, the counsellor will help to clarify issues and feelings and help towards the way that is right for the carer.
People often feel more relaxed to sharing their issues with someone in a similar position to themselves rather than a family member or professional.
Carer centres can offer carers space to set up a peer support group allowing them to share and resolve issues independently and feel less isolated as carers.
To access information and support to help you in your caring role, please contact your local carer centre to find out more about activities and services that are available in your area.
