Free Support Group ‘Roe Valley Carers Hub’ Connects Limavady Carers

A new group to support unpaid carers at home with isolation and loneliness was launched last week by Limavady Primary Care GP Based Social Work Team.

The ‘Roe Valley Carers Hub’ had its inaugural meeting at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday, June 28 at 11am.

Subsequent meetings of the group will take place on the last Friday of each month.

Rachel Casey, Social Work Assistant with the team explained why the hub is important to set up to promote social connections for unpaid carers.

“Being a carer can be lonely and isolating,” she said.

“Not being able to access the support they need is taking its toll on unpaid carers.

“Our Roe Valley Carers Hub aims to provide a safe space to talk, listen to expert advice and participate in some fun activities such as arts and crafts, walks and events.”

The Roe Valley Carers Hub has been set up primarily to offer support to carers of people diagnosed with dementia or memory loss although it is not limited to this and all carers are welcome.

Maureen Duffy GP based senior social worker described the background to setting up the project:

“We identified a need for support for unpaid carers in the Limavady area.

“Having the right information at the right time can make a great difference for the carer and the person they care for.

“We hope to improve the quality of life of all carers especially those caring for a loved one who has dementia, a memory issue or is awaiting a memory assessment.”

Welcoming the launch of the new Roe Valley Carers Hub Geraldine McLaughlin, Carers Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “This is an important new hub which will help to connect carers as well as enabling carers to get information and support on a timely basis.”

Anyone interested in joining the hub, should get in touch with their GP Practice Social Work Team for more information.

Carers are also welcome to drop in on the last Friday of the month to Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre at 11am.