Talking to other people in similar situations
Our support groups run throughout the year all over Surrey and give carers the chance to have a chat with members of our staff and other carers. We have groups for all carers, as well as specialist groups for parent carers, carers of people with mental health issues, etc. We can also put you in touch with other Surrey organisations’ support groups – e.g. for autism or dementia.
We’re now running support groups by video too, so join us on Zoom.
Online support groups
Not everyone can get to, or wants to attend, a support group. A great alternative, if you’re comfortable online, are online ‘forums’ or communities. These are websites where you can talk to people in similar situations to you. You’ll find many people talking about, and sharing information, on concerns and worries you have.
Another benefit is there’s almost always someone else online, whatever the time of day.
There are online forums just for carers, and for carers of people with certain conditions.
Forums for carers
Carers UK
Carers UK is a national charity, supporting carers. Action for Carers Surrey is an affiliate member. Within this forum, there are also groups covering specific conditions.
Sue Ryder
If someone you love is dying or has died, Sue Ryder’s Online Community is a place to share experiences, get things off your chest, ask questions and chat to people who understand.
Forums for specific conditions
There are also specialist forums run by other charities. These are for people with specific conditions and many have sections for carers too.
Alzheimer’s Society’s Talking Point
The Alzheimer’s Society have an online chat forum called ‘Talking Point’. You’ll see dedicated sections called ‘I care for a person with dementia’ and ‘I have a partner with dementia’. Both are very active and may be useful to you if caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Society forum
Macmillan Cancer Support’s Community
Macmillan Cancer Support helps people living with cancer, and has a wide range of support for carers too. There’s an extensive section for carers on their forum, the ‘Macmillan Community’.
Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support forum
MIND’s
Mind also has a supportive online community called Side by Side, where you can feel at home talking about your mental health and connect with others who understand. Its available to all, 24/7.
MS Society
The MS Society for people with Multiple Sclerosis have a community – you need to log in.
National Autistic Society
Autism affects many of the carers we support. Take a look at the National Autistic Society’s community for advice for parents and other carers.
Visit the National Autistic Society forum
The National Autism Society has an active Surrey branch, which has its own email forum. You have to register to sign up.
Click for the NAS Surrey forum
Parkinson’s UK’s Forum
Parkinson’s UK supports people with Parkinson’s disease and have a lively forum, including an active ‘carers, friends and family’ section (linked to directly below).
