Exciting Changes Coming for Our Working Carers’ Support Group!
First of all, we would like to thank everyone who took part in our recent Working Carers survey. With over 40 responses, your feedback has provided us with valuable insights into how we can improve our monthly sessions and better meet your needs.
Your responses have highlighted a number of key themes that will help shape the future of the group, and we’re excited to share some of the changes we’ll be implementing based on your suggestions.
What We’ve Learned
Guest Speakers and Broader Topics Many of you expressed an interest in hearing from guest speakers from outside organisations, alongside the peer support from fellow carers and advice from Carers Trust Heart of England staff. Some of the topics you’re keen to learn more about include:
Carers’ rights at work and carer passports
Wellbeing support for carers
Time management and self-care strategies
Benefits, financial advice, and fuel poverty awareness
Understanding the social care system and accessing respite care
Managing assets and planning for the future
Support for specific conditions such as dementia, autism, and addiction
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be incorporating these topics into future sessions, bringing in expert speakers to share knowledge and practical advice on these important issues.
A Balance of Face-to-Face and Online Meetings We know that many carers face challenges when it comes to attending in-person meetings, particularly after a long workday. Some of you suggested the option of a lunchtime session, and we’re happy to say that starting in November, we will be offering both a monthly face-to-face evening session and a lunchtime Zoom session.
Written Summaries of Sessions Several carers mentioned that it would be helpful to receive a brief written summary of the topics covered during each meeting, as well as any useful information or signposting. This is a great idea, and we’ll make sure to send out these summaries after each session, so those who are unable to attend don’t miss out on the support and resources shared.
What’s Next?
From November 2025 onwards, we have been offering two types of support group sessions:
Monthly Face-to-Face Evening Session – On the first Thursday of the month, at the Central Library in Coventry
Monthly Lunchtime Zoom Session – on the last Wednesday of the month, with the next one on Wednesday 25th March 2026, 12:30 - 13:30
Our new schedule will alternate between peer support sessions and guest speaker/topic sessions, based on what you told us.
Keeping You Informed
If you’d like to receive notifications about upcoming sessions — including details of the focus or topic for each group — please get in touch. You can email us at carergroups@carerstrusthofe.org.uk or call 024 76 632 972 (Option 1) to be added to our mailing list. We’ll also use this list to share brief summaries after each session, along with any useful links or signposting information, so you can stay informed even if you aren’t able to attend. Thank you again for your participation. We’re excited about the positive changes ahead and look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming sessions. Your feedback has helped us create a more supportive, inclusive, and accessible environment for all working care
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