We want The Big Bridge to be a vibrant, community resource so please fill in the e-form if you have any ideas to share by clicking on the above comments box. This is your website too!
Looking after your health
National charity Carers UK says that, "Caring can have a major impact on your health and wellbeing, from backache to stress, worry and depression. Carers are significantly more likely to be in poor health - both physical and emotional - than people without caring responsibilities."
- Follow the link below for practical advice including back care, coping with stress, good sleep and how your GP can help:
Does your GP know that you are a carer and provide you with a service to meet your needs?
Liz Nicholson, GP Link Worker at the Carers Centre is working with GP practices across the city, encouraging them to identify carers and be more aware of the impact that the caring role may have on a carer's health. She is also asking them to consider ways of improving their serivces to carers. If you have any ideas about improving GP practice services to carers at your practice please contact Liz by email liz.nicholson@thecarerscentre.org.
Counselling Directory
This a free confidential service providing the UK with a huge counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate to their needs. The website also includes a number of sections on emotional disorders (types of distress section) and provides useful advice. To find out more please look at the website www.counselling-directory.org.uk.
Retreats for carers in Sussex
Did you know that, as a carer, you can access a few days' retreat at St. Cuthman's Retreat House? Run by the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, the retreat is open to all. St. Cuthman's is situated in a peaceful location at Coolham, near Billingshurst, and offers full board. Day retreats called "Quiet Days" are also available. You can use the beautiful Tudor retreat house, chapel and grounds. If you cannot get away overnight, or if you'd like to sample what is available before making a residential stay, a Quiet Day could be ideal. "Quiet Days" include Morning Coffee, Two Course Lunch and Afternoon Tea, and are available on weekdays and at weekends.
See www.stcuthmans.com or call 01403 741220.
Brighton Buddhist Centre - help for carers
The Brighton Buddhist Centre is running a friendly and warmhearted classes for carers, helping you unwind and find a little peace of mind. In the class participants will do a combination of relaxing, meditation and very gentle invigorating movement practices. Together this can help release the stresses and worries of day-to-day responsibilities and allow you to be your self. The class is also an opportunity to connect with other carers socially in a friendly atmospher, and talk about things other than being a carer.
Click here for details.Learn new skills
Brighton and Hove Community Skills and Learning Team provides support to adults who may be thinking of starting to do some learning. To find out more click here .
Local support for carers | National support for carers | Working and caring | Money matters