Caring can often be isolating and overwhelming. You may not always know someone else in a similar caring role to you.
Our peer mentoring service connects carers to others who have experience of unpaid caring. This is particularly useful if they look after someone with the same condition or have experienced the same challenges as the person you care for. Our volunteer peer mentors are happy to share their experiences.
How does it work?
Through the 1-2-1 mentoring relationship, you can gain information and support which will help you reflect on your own situation and consider your next steps. Once you are matched with a peer mentor you can expect to meet for an average of 3 sessions. The meetings take place at a time suitable to you. You can discuss your needs and preferences with your peer mentor, such as if you prefer video or telephone calls.
By meeting your peer mentor, you can connect with them on a common experience like caring for:
- Your parents, partner, or child
- Someone with a specific diagnosis such as dementia, Parkinson’s, cancer, stroke, MS, COPD, autism, eating disorder or a learning disability
- Someone who has additional care and support packages
- Someone with addictions and substance use
Or sometimes it’s about how caring can affect us or make us feel. Our Peer Mentors can also help with:
- Guilt
- Coping techniques
- Impact of a diagnosis
- Dealing with change
- Feeling isolated in your caring role
There are many other caring experiences that our peer mentors have been through, which you can connect with them about. If you are interested in peer mentoring but your own experience is not reflected in the list above, please contact us and a member of our VOCAL team can help you explore your options.
