Happy birthday to our Carers Centre!

Thursday 12 September 2019 marked the first birthday of the opening of our Carers Centre, and we celebrated with a walk around our grounds, before holding a tea party for our patients’ family and friends.

Eleven carers attended the event on Saturday, which featured a special birthday cake made by Workbridge.

As a charity, we are committed to supporting and involving carers in all aspects of care and planning where possible. The carers, families and friends of the patients in our care are vitally important to their loved one’s recovery and we know how important it is to listen, support and work together.

Following feedback from carers, our Carers' Centre was opened to reflect that commitment. Its main aim is to create a quiet space, dedicated to carers.

Rebecca Amena, our Carers Engagement Lead, explained: “Our Carers Centre offers a “home from home” where carers can pop in have a cuppa, a chat and a bit of respite. Our friendly team are always on hand to talk, offer support, guidance and can signpost to more specialised support, tailored to meet the individual needs and requirements.”

If you would like to find out more about our Carers Centre and the support we can offer families and friends, telephone 01604 616125 or email: carerscentre@standrew.co.uk. The Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm, and at weekends 10am – 5:30pm.

Just some of the positive feedback received during our first year:

• “The Centre is a godsend’, I don’t know what we would do without this place.”
• “My children are safe in the Centre and have lots to do to keep them occupied.”
• “Comfortable, relaxing environment. Always clean and tidy. Friendly, warm, welcoming staff who offer good advice and support and who are great at listening. I am a regular visitor to the carers centre and feel that it is a valuable resource for the hospital to have.
• “I feel so much better now, being able to vent to someone and get this off my chest, thank you.”
• “This is such a valuable resource, we are really lucky to have this, it’s really nice. I come here every time, it makes such a difference with my daughter being so very unwell, thank you.”