The After Caring Network recently met for the fourth time since the group began in August 2023. 14 former carers met at Lincoln Cathedral to enjoy a guided tour followed by coffee and cake in the cafe.
The event idea was part of co-production where the members themselves discuss and decide what support they feel would best meet their needs. The group includes carers who have either lost the person that they care for or their cared for has moved into long term care.
We had a fantastic tour of the Cathedral by tour guide Douglas who provided interesting facts, funny stories, and vast array of local historic information. At 12pm every day the Cathedral speaker announces and requests that visitors hold a few minutes silence to remember a loved one or think of someone who may be needing support; this was particularly poignant for the carers who were visiting with Carers First.
Following the 1.5 hours of the ground floor tour, we were invited to visit the Morning Chapel to light a candle for a loved one, before we met in the Cathedral cafe for light refreshments. This provided time and opportunity to speak to fellow carers and feel supported by gentle and relaxed conversation. The group is a mix of male and female carers, some of whom have been to every meeting and some who were new to the network on the day. Everyone is supported and included, but not forced to open up to talk about their own personal situation.
The next event is planned for April at The Lawns in Lincoln for a walk in the spring weather followed by a coffee and a catch up again.
This event was predominately funded by a former carer who accesses the network. The carer was a regular member of another support group facilitated by Carers First, and when she lost her husband, she joined the After Caring Network. At Christmas she kindly made a £100 donation to the charity to help continue the work that we do, and this was put towards the Cathedral visit and refreshments.
It is a privilege to work with our former carers and support them in the next chapter of their lives. Some of the feedback from the After Caring Network include:
“Thank you for coffee and cake this morning so nice to share thoughts and feelings with people who understand.”
“I just appreciate that my ‘caring role’ has not been forgotten! Thank you for remembering!”
“It was a lovely get together again, thank you so much for organising it, it made me get myself together to do things.”
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