Enabling

Coping Strategies

Caring for someone else can often be demanding, and you are not alone if you feel overwhelmed at times. You might find some parts of life challenging and this may leave you feeling stressed and isolated. Over time, this can lead to distress and / mental health problems. If you already live with a mental health problem, being a carer could adversely affect your ability to stay well.

You may often feel very frustrated and angry, especially if you have had to give up parts of your own life. Or, you might feel that you have been given no choice about becoming a carer.

You might end up directing this anger at family, friends or the person you care for. This could make you feel guilty. To try and counter the negative effects we have a number of services you can access.

Peer support mentors

Through our work with the Challenging Behaviour Foundation we have recruited a number of volunteers who have personal experience of challenging behaviour, who are at a stage where they have time to support others.

These volunteers are trained to offer structured support, usually advice and emotional support. Having also been in a similar situation, they may be able to offer information and useful ideas.

Peer support mentors provide one-to-one support for Carers looking after family members suffering from a range of longterm, often aged-related conditions including dementia, stroke and terminal illnesses.

The service will also give experienced Carers volunteering opportunities allowing them to use their knowledge and  expertise thereby enabling them to develop transferable skills.

Find us

Southwark Carers
3rd Floor, Walworth Methodist Church,
54 Camberwell Road, London, SE5 0EW
View map and directions

Contact us

020 7708 4497

Find us

Nearest tube: Elephant & Castle underground station (Northern and Bakerloo lines).

Nearest Railway Station: Elephant & Castle

Buses from Elephant and Castle: ask bus driver for Burgess Park. Bus numbers: 12, 171, 148, 176, 68, 484, 42, 40, 45