TO celebrate a successful Carer's Week, Dorset Mind has announced details of its new monthly carer's support group in Poole.

‘Carers in Mind’ focuses on helping carers of young people or adults to take a break from caring and focus on selfcare – in particular looking after their own mental health.

The initiative is part of a five-year strategy by Dorset Mind to expand their support services across the county.

The group will provide an opportunity to gain support through talking to people who have similar experiences – a formula the charity has discovered works well for its talking therapy groups.

Anyone who is a carer and would like support to improve their mental health will be welcomed to the group.

In addition, workshops will provide positive support with advice, and real solutions to challenges faced by carers.

The group is operating in the face of new information from Carers UK which said that 72 per cent of carers say they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring. Forty-two per cent of carers also said that they had not received any training or information regarding their own welfare.

Chief executive of Dorset Mind, Marianne Storey, said: “Carers save the UK economy £132 billion pounds each year but often neglect their own needs, in prioritising those of the person they care for. That can lead to them experiencing greater strain on their mental health."

She said the organisation had long wanted to offer a support group for carers. "We want to empower carers by offering education, information and coping strategies so that they are able to continue offering care in a healthy manner," she said.

Group meetings will be held at the premises of Poole Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) who are partnering Dorset Mind.

"We are starting the group as a monthly occurrence, but are hoping that local businesses will sponsor the group so we can offer it more regularly,” said Marianne Storey.

‘Carers in Mind’ is set to take place once a month at CAMHS Community Health Clinic, Poole, on a Monday between 12 and 2pm. For dates and further information, please see the charity's website: dorsetmind.uk.