Health and wellbeing for carers

Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also affect your physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships and social life. Taking time to look after yourself is important and can help you continue in your caring role.

There are a range of organisations, services and activities that can support your health and wellbeing as a carer – see below for suggested services or search the Here for Hart Directory for more.

Support groups

Talking to others who understand your experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional and practical support.

Local support includes:

• Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC), which offers groups in Fleet, Odiham and Rushmoor as well as online groups for all carers.

• Older adult groups which are often dementia-friendly:

  • Forget-me-knot café, Hartley Wintney
  • Sunflower Café, Odiham
  • Daisy Chain Café, Yateley/Blackwater
  • Bluebell Café, Heckfield

  Befriending services

  Befriending services can help reduce loneliness and provide regular social contact for carers as well as those they care for.

  Local services providing this service are:

  • Calls & Visits (Church Crookham and Fleet)
  • Odiham Cottage Hospital (Hartley Wintney, Hook, Odiham and Old Basing)
  • PALs of Yateley – (Yateley including Frogmore and Darby Green)

  Mental health support

  Caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or low, support is available.

  For mental health support, you can self-refer to:

  • Your GP practice
  • NHS Talking Therapies (TalkPlus or italk depending on your GP surgery)
  • Andover Mind wellbeing centre based in Aldershot
  • Counselling services provided by Hart Voluntary Action

  If you or someone else needs urgent mental health support, please call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.

  Staying active

  Being physically active can benefit both your physical and mental wellbeing. With wonderful outside spaces, two leisure centres and free health walks, there are plenty of opportunities to find something that fits your needs and life. You can visit our staying active page for ideas.