Stonger Together Carers Group, Rochdale

The room is ready, set with tables and all is quiet as the volunteers enjoy a quick cup of tea and catch-up. They have been busy all morning preparing a hot meal for their weekly lunch. On the menu is meat and potato pie with gravy or cheese and onion pie with beans followed by homemade cheesecake. The lunch and refreshments are all free, but guests often make donations to support running costs.

Today they’ve set up for a game of bingo, but there is often music and dancing, regular themed events for Mother’s Day or Christmas, and trips arranged to Cleveleys, local garden centres or out for fish and chips. There is even a caravan which carers can use for a short break.

Supporting other carers

Stronger Together Carers Group was started by Angela and Kath about 10 years ago. After becoming a carer for her wife, Kath knew that there must be others in her community in Rochdale who were experiencing the same challenges of being an unpaid carer as her. Determined to bring people together, they found a small venue and welcomed six people to their first event. They were delighted with this turnout and being able to make a difference for anyone.

Through their warmth and inclusivity, Stronger Together quickly outgrew that venue and moved to their current home in the Ashcroft. They are now welcoming between 80 and 90 guests each week. Everyone is welcome, and there is a wide age range with carers and cared-for people dealing with learning difficulties, dementia, Alzheimer’s, cancer diagnoses and more.

Combatting isolation

Angela and Kath are supported by around 10 volunteers, most of whom were attending the lunch with the people they care for. They are all well aware of the importance of the event. For many it has been a life-saver. Unpaid carers often experience isolation and can go for long periods of time not seeing or talking to anyone else. Caring for a loved one can also mean facing financial challenges and sometimes the carers lunch is their only hot meal that week.

 

Having a real impact

One of the volunteers, Mary, came along with her husband since the start of the project. “He loved coming so now I volunteer,” she says. “He loved the dancing and the cheesecake. I know how important it is to people.” Mary found great support from other carers and thinks “Angela and Kath are lovely”. As a volunteer, Mary now spends a lot of time chatting with guests and making sure everyone is OK.

Volunteer Bev used to bring her sister and now finds volunteering “gives you a good feeling and the people who come really appreciate it”. Volunteer John loves engaging people, is always happy and particularly enjoys calling the bingo numbers.

Support with other things

The group does a huge amount to help carers understand they are not alone. The group also provides practical help in navigating the complexities of Blue Badge applications, getting personal care, referrals for services and more.

Due to the popularity of the lunch, they have launched a Community Café on a Wednesday offering affordable drinks, snacks and cakes. The café gives Kath and Angela more opportunities to talk to local carers and provide practical support that they are so good at.

If your organisation supports the community with food, you can join our community food membership programme in Manchester and access surplus food to support people in your area.