Carers empowered with practical skills at Grace Cares’ latest Care Club session

Unpaid caregivers from across the region came together at The Cathedral Hotel in Lichfield for Grace Cares’ latest Care Club, which provides support sessions for unpaid caregivers.

The event offered a supportive environment for those caring for loved ones with mobility or physical needs.

The manual handling training led by Rohan Fox, NHS physiotherapist with the CIS Team, offered a hands-on session focused on safe moving and handling techniques, one of the most requested areas of support among unpaid carers.

Fox said the turnout and engagement highlighted “how many caregivers are doing extraordinary work behind the scenes.”

Rohan added: “These sessions give carers practical tools they can use immediately at home, but they also build confidence and community…two things that are just as important as the physical skills.”

Attendees also took part in discussions around protecting their own health and wellbeing, something that is often overlooked.

Adele Montgomery, part of the Grace Cares team, said the atmosphere in the room was full of openness and encouragement.

Adele said: “Many carers arrived feeling tired or unsure and left feeling more confident and connected.

“That’s exactly why Care Club exists; to remind carers they deserve support too and to give them a safe space to learn and breathe.”

For many participants, simply meeting others with similar experiences was one of the biggest benefits.

One attendee shared that “I didn’t realise how much I needed this. Learning proper techniques made such a difference, but meeting others who truly understand felt even more valuable. I left feeling supported, not alone.”

Alongside the practical demonstrations, carers enjoyed refreshments and informal conversation, a chance to pause and recharge that many described as rare.

Grace Cares has confirmed the next two sessions for unpaid caregivers:

Get dementia advice from an Admiral Nurse from Dementia UK on Friday 5 December 10:30am – find out more information and register a place.

The next in-person Care Club is on Monday 26 January and features a specialist nurse speaking on incontinence care and support.

Caregivers can register for future sessions by completing this form or by contacting Grace Cares directly at [email protected] or on 01543 730189.