New support group offers help and guidance to carers - The Rugby Observer
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New support group offers help and guidance to carers

Ian Hughes 3 hours ago   0

CARERS in Warwickshire are being offered a helping hand through a new monthly support group.

Oakley Grange, part of Cinnamon Care Collection and Bluebird Care Stratford & Warwick, prepare to launch Care & Community Connections.

Oakley Grange will host the group in its first-floor lounge, creating a welcoming space where carers can come together for shared experiences and guidance from professionals.

The group will launch on Wednesday (June 24) from 11am to noon, and will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month.




The initiative was developed by Bluebird Care Stratford & Warwick in response to the growing number of families seeking guidance on navigating care options.

Hosted by Oakley Grange, this joint effort allows both organisations to provide a supportive environment where carers can access expert information and connect with local services.


The launch event will include complimentary refreshments, free health and wellbeing checks and the chance to enter a raffle in aid of SWFT Charity.

Vivienne Hill, home admissions advisor at Cinnamon Care Collection, said: “Caring for a loved one can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly demanding and having access to the right support can make a real difference. Care & Community Connections has been created to give carers a place to talk openly, share experiences and receive guidance from trusted professionals. We look forward to welcoming local carers to Oakley Grange and supporting them in any way we can.”

Each month will feature a dedicated theme to help carers access practical advice and specialist insight:

July – Dementia-focused event

August – Self-care for carers; wellness focus; nutrition & hydration for older people; speech & language

September – Future planning: estates, wills and financial planning

October – Neurological conditions: Acute Brain Injury, stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis

November – Sight and hearing; older people’s driving safety; accessing dental care

December – Christmas Party

Rebecca Weaver, registered manager at Bluebird Care Stratford & Warwick, said: “Every week we meet families who are doing their very best to support a loved one but often feel overwhelmed, isolated or unsure where to turn for advice.

“Too many people reach a crisis point before discovering what support is available. Care & Community Connections was created to change that. We wanted to establish a welcoming, informal space where carers and families can access trusted information, meet others in similar situations, hear from professionals and gain confidence in planning for the future. As an organisation that has supported people across Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick for more than 17 years, we are passionate about helping people remain connected to their communities and make informed decisions about their care. We are delighted to be working alongside Oakley Grange and a range of local partners to bring this initiative to life.”

The group is free to attend, but booking is required to ensure appropriate catering and to meet any dietary needs.

To find out more or reserve a place, contact Vivienne Hill on 01926351165 or email [email protected]