Loneliness Awareness Week is an important reminder of the silent struggle many people face. For carers, loneliness and isolation are particularly common. The demanding nature of caregiving often leaves little time for social interaction, and carers can find it hard to relate their experiences to those who do not share similar responsibilities.
At Flourish, we recognise the vital role carers play in supporting others. We want to ensure that they, too, are supported. This is why we have put together some essential mental health resources to help carers combat loneliness and maintain their wellbeing.
Online Support Groups
Engaging with peers who understand the unique challenges of caring can be incredibly reassuring. Online support groups provide a platform to share experiences, seek advice, and build a sense of community.
Carers Connect: An online forum for Carers in the UK where you can connect and share your experiences. Open 24/7, this forum allows you to speak with like-minded people and get support from those who understand.
Carers Trust: An online platform for unpaid Carers. They offer a fantastic range of health and wellbeing resources and links to loneliness forums and hubs.
Mental Health Helplines
Sometimes, speaking to someone can make all the difference. Helplines offer confidential advice and emotional support from trained professionals.
Samaritans: Available 24/7 for anyone in need of emotional support. The Samaritans help people who are lonely, desperate or struggling. You can contact them on 116 123.
Mind's Infoline: Provides advice and support on mental health issues. You can call them on 0300 123 3393. Alternatively, Mind also has a page on their website dedicated to supporting yourself whilst caring for someone.
Professional Counselling Services
Counselling can be a powerful tool for managing stress and emotional strain. Many organisations offer free or low-cost counselling services for carers.
Carers UK: Offers a network of counselling services. They have a range of resources related to counselling specifically for carers available on their website.
Carers Support Centre: Provides access to Counselling, Befriending and Mentoring services giving you the opportunity to talk to a counsellor or training volunteer.
Self-Care Apps
Support apps can play a crucial role in improving mental wellbeing by alleviating feelings of loneliness and stress. They provide connection, support, and a sense of community. Here are some apps that can make a difference:
TalkLife: Peer-to-peer support network for mental health, connecting you with like-minded individuals dealing with the same things as you.
Happy: Whether you're looking for a casual chat, need to vent, or find your daily responsibilities overwhelming, one touch connects you to essential support. Available 24/7, the app connects you with a "Support Giver": a compassionate, non judgmental listener ready to help.
Wellbeing Training
Training can also play a crucial role in improving mental wellbeing by alleviating feelings of loneliness and stress.
Wellbeing Package: Our brand-new Wellbeing Package consisting of 20 online courses has recently launched. Carefully created to aid health and social care workers in their self-care journey. We consulted with hundreds of carers to develop these courses, ensuring they address the real challenges faced in the workplace. These courses will help carers build the knowledge and tools to help themselves and their colleagues deal with wellbeing challenges.
Take advantage of these resources during Loneliness Awareness Week
We encourage carers to use these resources to connect with others, seek advice, and find comfort in knowing that help is always available. Taking care of your mental wellbeing is just as important as the care you provide for others.
Explore Our Wellbeing Courses
Access 20+ online wellbeing courses that are carefully created to aid health and social care workers
Mental Health Awareness course
The Mental Health Awareness course aims to emphasise the importance of mental health, with its significance to physical health and its pervasive influence across all aspects of life.
View courseTake advantage of these resources during Loneliness Awareness Week
We encourage carers to use these resources to connect with others, seek advice, and find comfort in knowing that help is always available. Taking care of your mental wellbeing is just as important as the care you provide for others.
