Carer Support Groups

Dorothy House leads a range of activities for the carers of our patients so that individual needs are provided for but also to provide opportunities for carers to meet others who are managing similar situations to their own. The following services may be of help:

COPE Carers support groups

Meet informally in 2 locations currently: Wednesdays at Dorothy House Winsley and on Tuesdays at our outreach centre in Midsomer Norton.  These informal groups are facilitated by professional staff over lunch (Winsley) or afternoon tea (Midsomer Norton). Further details can be downloaded here [137kb PDF],  or inform the projects secretary, Sheelagh Coghlan,  that you would like to attend (only so we can order enough food for you all!)

COPE Rehabilitation Groups

Primarily for Dorothy House patients but family members / carers are encouraged to attend too. Further details can be downloaded here. [183kb PDF] Together those attending can learn ways to manage symptoms, have some fun and meet others in similar situations. Lunch is provided at these groups that run every 8 weeks in Midsomer Norton and Chippenham and also occasionally at Dorothy House Winsley  

Carers Courses

Are for the carers/family members of Dorothy House patients who can often feel unprepared for the challenges facing them. The course is designed to help carers feel more confident by means of talks, discussions and demonstrations.  

The course aims to

• Provide practical information.

• To explore the emotional impact of caring for someone at the end of life.

• To offer support through meeting others and the facilitators.

• To help carers to look after themselves.

The courses run 3 times per annum at Winsley and up to 16 carers meet for 5 weeks in the afternoon to cover a range of topics relevant to looking after someone who is nearing the end of their life.

Should you need someone to stay with the ill patient and/or transport to and from the hospice then this can be provided with prior notice.

The provisional dates for 2011 are Wednesdays in the following weeks:

16/02/11 – 16/03/11

15/06/11 – 11/07/11

02/10/11 – 02/11/11

Please contact your Dorothy House professional(s) to book a place or Penny Pollock, secretary on 01225 – 722988.