Mental Health Support for Carers
72% of carers responding to Carers UK’s State of Caring 2018 survey said they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring. This statistic is most likely higher now due to the impact the pandemic has had on people’s mental health. As a Carer, managing your mental health and wellbeing is vital in keeping you well and allow you to continue your caring role.
10 October marks World Mental Health Day, so make this the start of your self-care journey and make some time just for you.
Local Support
Support is available from Birmingham Carers Hub partner, Birmingham Mind who run a weekly Carers support group every Wednesday between 1 and 3pm. To join email michelleboyce@birminghammind.org.uk or call/text Michelle on 07734 959 974.
Birmingham Mind also offers fortnightly face-to-face groups for Carers at three venues across Birmingham:
| Where | When | Time | Next Meeting |
| Beechcroft Centre, R/O 501 Slade Road Erdington B23 7JG, | Alternate Mondays | 11.30am-2pm | Mon 11 Oct 2021 |
| Birmingham Buddhist Centre,1 Park Rd, Birmingham B13 8AB | Alternate Tuesdays | 1.30pm -3.30pm | Tues 19 Oct 2021 |
| Carrs Lane Church, Carrs Ln, Birmingham B4 7SX | Alternate Thursdays | 2.30pm-4.30pm | Thurs 21 Oct 2021 |
Yoga
To improve your physical and mental health wellbeing, why not try a spot of yoga? Barefoot Birmingham offers free Yoga for family Carers registered with Birmingham Carers Hub, both online and in person at their studio in Harborne. Carers can also indulge in some moments of deep peace by participating in Carer Life Spa sessions held fortnightly on Wednesdays 11am – 12 noon on Zoom.
Meditation
Float away every Tuesday afternoon with relaxation meditation online sessions just for Carers. Join the Birmingham Buddhist Centre online every Tuesday from 2pm – 3pm. Find out more here.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs
The Birmingham, Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub service is a combined integrated, innovative service delivered through a partnership led by Birmingham Mind with partner Creative Support.
The new service operates around four Recovery Hubs based in Erdington, Handsworth, Yardley and Northfield in order that the service can be accessible citywide. Each Hub offers 1:1 recovery support planning, recovery focused activities and support to develop peer-led support networks and groups. The service offers a blended mix of virtual activities and face to face support sessions. Each Hub offers a refreshed timetable every 6-8 weeks. Timetables are accessible via the service website
Hub Open Days 11 – 15 October 2021
At the hub open days you can gain an insight into the groups that they run at the hubs with activity sessions held throughout the week including quick tips on mental health and wellbeing. You will need to call the relevant hub to book onto the open day due to limited spaces.
Creative Support Northfield Hub, 888-890 Bristol Road South B31 2NS. Take a look at the timetable for October and November.
Creative Support Yardley Hub, 195-197 Church Road, Yardley N25 8UR. Take a look at the timetable for October and November.
If you are unable to make it in person, there is a selection of online taster sessions, which you are welcome to drop into:
Monday 12pm-1pm: Quiz! https://creativesupport-co-uk.zoom.us/j/5409052690
Wednesday 12pm-1pm: Relaxation https://creativesupport-co-uk.zoom.us/j/94800283410
Friday 12pm-1pm: Creative Writing Taster https://creativesupport-co-uk.zoom.us/j/97587593016
