Dundee Support Group

My name is Cathy Hamilton, Project Manager, and I facilitate the monthly carers support groups in Dundee.

The relatives and friends see the groups as time out for them, where they meet other people with similar experiences, talk, exchange views, support each other, and very often talk on the telephone, or meet for a coffee and a chat in between meetings.

My experience working with groups has been very positive, once people feel safe and less vulnerable they are able to participate in the group and gain self-esteem and confidence in themselves as people in their own right. Too often caring takes over and there is no room left for looking after self!!!

Please feel free to come along to any of the groups as we would love to see you. Most people find it easier to come along if they know someone so please give me a phone on 01382 305712 so that I can welcome you to the group and introduce you to the others.

As well as the support groups I do:

• Home visits – one to one
• Practical advice on coping
• Emotional Support
• Telephone Support
• Access to local groups
• Contact with other carers
• Information leaflets and books
• Information about services
• Information about your rights

There are also limited places available for the training courses I run for carers. We do Prospect Training, which is looking at things like recognizing pressure and acknowledging stress, developing coping skills, building support networks, setting goals and achieving change. I also facilitate WRAP which is Wellness Recovery Action Plan for carers. This is looking at the carers own well-being.

Very often it is the fun things that carers like to do, as well as talks and presentations, we have Well-Being days for carers, social activities, where carers just get together to share with each other.  The Dundee Support Group does their own fundraising to help subsidies outings etc.

Carers are also very involved in meetings with the staff at Carsview Centre, to air any issues that carers bring to my attention. Nursing staff on occasion attend our monthly support group.

 

Dundee support groups meet:

First Wednesday on every month from 7.00pm-9.00pm at:
10 Constitution Road
Dundee
DD1 1LL

Contact Cathy on 01382 305712

Or

Dundee Friendship group on the third Tuesday of every month from 2.00pm-4.00pm at:
McManus Galleries
Albert Square
Dundee

Contact Penny on 01382 305756

 

We also have a singing group the “Cairn Fowk”, we have produced two CD’s and one DVD and are always on the look-out for new singers to join us.

 

Cairn Fowk Singing Group

 

The Project is funded by, but is independent of, NHS and local authority services.