A NEW support group for family carers supporting children in Limerick will offer a range of supports and services to carers with a strong emphasis on the development of a peer led support group.
Launched by Metropolitan Mayor Daniel Butler at City Hall on Monday, the group operates under the auspices of Family Carers Ireland who are dedicated to supporting the needs of family carers throughout the country and will facilitate the development of new groups, as identified by the carers themselves.
Family Carer Support Officer Victoria Ward said that the decision to establish the group came about as a result of interaction with carers throughout Limerick from their local office at Unit 3, Georges Quay House in Limerick City.
“The needs of Family Carers of children can often differ greatly from the needs of a family carer caring for an adult. On foot of this and through collaboration with Mayor Butler, the new support group was developed, tailored specifically to the needs of family carers caring for a child,” she explained.
“Family Carers Ireland facilitate support groups nationally and have discovered that peer support is vital for family carers. The sense of belonging a carer feels when they can share their experiences with people in a similar role facilitates helps them become more empowered, more knowledgeable of supports and services and to feel less isolated and alone”.
“Through workshops and classes decided by the carers themselves, the new support group hopes to create an environment where a sense of fun can also be introduced to the lives of those caring for children”, she added.
The first meeting of the new support group will be held at 10am on Wednesday, September 26 in the offices of Limerick City and County Council. The group will then meet on the last Wednesday of each month at 10.30am in the Family Carers Ireland Limerick office at Unit 3, George’s Quay House.
Contcat 086 2442020 for more information.
