How Carers Connected supports those in need

Groups of all shapes and sizes operate across the country to bring carers together to talk, share, and help with the daily challenge and relentless nature of caring for a friend or family member. Whether support groups, workshops or online ‘cuppas’, they play a vital role in helping carers combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Carers Connected – an initiative we provide – is one such gathering that provides a space for carers to come together and share experiences. The group operates online, via Zoom, and has proved hugely valuable for helping carers in need.

But unlike, other groups, Carers Connected brings an added dimension of faith and fellowship. Sarah Smith, Carers Connected Co-ordinator, shares some of the participants' stories on the difference the group makes to them.  "Read More" below to hear their perspectives ... 

A safe place for chatting and praying
As believers in Christ, we are family – and run Carers Connected with this ethos. During our online gatherings, we support each other in our caring roles, encourage one another in our Christian faith, and bring our concerns to God in prayer.

“For where two or three gather in my name (NB in real life or online), there am I with them”, Matthew 18 v 20.

To illustrate this, a number of our carers have been sharing their own thoughts on how Carers Connected helps them personally.

Sue, from Middlesex, looks after her husband who has mobility problems, and describes how she first came across Carers Connected. “I was sitting on the bed feeling desperate and cried out to God to help me find a Christian Zoom carers’ group,” she says. “It had to be Zoom as I am restricted in how long I can stay out because of my husband.”

After stumbling across the Embracing Age website, Sue then found our Zoom carers group. “I’ve been with the group for about 16 months now and am very grateful to God for that answered prayer.”

Many carers are extremely restricted in what they can do, so attending church, going to a home group or joining in with church events can become a luxury. Carolyn, from Sheffield, explains: “Because Carers Connected is online, it means I get the stimulation of some company, but don't feel I am abandoning my husband, and can still be on hand to help if needed.”

Caroline, from Kent, looks after her mother who has dementia and is now in a nursing home. Carers Connected has played a significant role in her life and became her lifeline. “It’s been my main source of support,” she says. “At one time I didn’t think I could cope any longer and felt like I was having a complete breakdown. But our group gave me so much love, care, support, prayers and understanding.”

Honesty and understanding are vital so that carers can be open and real about their feelings - and our Zoom meetings help facilitate this. Barbara, from Nottingham, whose husband has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is particularly appreciative of the support the group provides. “I can get things off my chest to do with my caring role on the Zoom meetings and the other people on the Zoom meetings will understand,” she says.

Like Barbara, Carolyn values the genuine understanding and empathy that our group brings. “I find the group so helpful and supportive; only other carers can really understand the restrictions to our lives which gradually grow when someone close to us needs more care,” she says.

“They understand the frustrations of having to say "No" to kind invitations out; the tedious nature of repeated conversations with someone whose world has shrunk; and the endless waits for medical appointments which never bring the hoped for answers.”

She adds that, as fellow Christians, our carers offer support, encouragement and prayer from their own experience. “I can pray for them, feeling that I can offer some support in return.”

Praying for one another is a high priority at every session – this is greatly valued by Laura, who cares for her adult daughter in Buckinghamshire. “It means so much to me knowing I can join the group calls and feel the love of God through the prayers of fellow carers,” she says.

Sue echoes this, highlighting that the group is made up of people from all over the country who understand her problems better than some of her own family members and friends. “To pray for each other as we do is so important, to have that support is really a blessing.”

A precious moment for reflection
At our gatherings we spend a little time focussing on a poem or song, usually with a Christian message to encourage carers in their faith and trust in God. Caroline recalls several specific songs and poems from Carers Connected gatherings which have spoken to her, “To be honest the poems and songs each week minister to me. They are always right for that particular week with whatever is happening at the time.”

Carolyn backs this up, commenting: “The poems or songs we share are from an insider view, describing weariness, isolation and despair. They gently remind us of the encompassing arms of a Heavenly Father who knows, sees and understands all our troubles.”

A weekly email for encouragement and to maintain contact
To help our carers feel connected, we include the songs and poems in a Weekly Message that we send out, together with other news or updates. This keeps carers ‘in touch with us and each other,’ and provides encouragement, even if they are not able to join us on Zoom. A special mention to Diana, from Norfolk, who sent us the following appreciative message: “Thank you for keeping in touch with me. It has meant a lot in the times when I have been too tired to reply.”

On many occasions carers offer each other practical advice or ideas on how to cope with the different challenges they’re facing. Niki, who is responsible for the care of both her parents, says, “It’s been essential having the support of the group to check out my thoughts such as, ‘am I right to do x or y?’, or ‘should I keep going with this?’

She adds: “Just hearing from others who care about the outcomes is really affirming.”

How to get involved in Carers Connected
Like everyone, carers need encouragement, love and support from others in the church family. Sadly, we know from the State of Caring ‘23 survey (Carers UK) that very few carers of faith receive any support from their faith organisation or place of worship, which is why Carers Connected is so important.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6 v10)

With June being the month for both Carers’ Week and Loneliness Awareness Week, what better time to tell others about all that we offer. So if you know a carer who may be struggling at home with their caring responsibilities, or may feel lonely and isolated from church friends, please introduce them to Carers Connected.

Would you like to get involved as a volunteer host? Our zoom gatherings are very special, and it is a privilege to be part of the host team and to serve God in this way and offer carers more options of days and times to suit their caring schedule. You can find details of what the role involves via the button below, or contact Sarah Smith to discuss.

For details more details about Carers Connected, please contact Sarah Smith on 07964 89547 or via email at [email protected], or visit https://www.embracingage.org.uk/for-carers.html

A special thank you to all the carers who gave their time and insight for this article, and to all our volunteer hosts who support Sarah in making the weekly sessions possible.

More about Carers Connected

About Becoming a Volunteer Host