West London NHS Trust has launched Carers Corner, a new outdoor service to provide respite for carers where they can meet others, grow fruit and vegetables and take some time out for their own well-being.
The Trust, which supports residents across Ealing, says it wants to improve the health and wellbeing of carers across the borough. The new outdoor support group is based at The Dig, a community hub in Hanwell.
The project has been supported by West London NHS Charity.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Freya Farmer, community psychiatric nurse and carers’ community champion said: “Carers Corner has been set up to provide respite for carers in Ealing. We work with Ealing Carers Partnership to offer mindfulness meditation sessions for carers every Wednesday. The sessions help carers to take some time out for their well-being.”
Ms Farmer added: “The initiative provides a safe space for carers to reconnect with nature in the community, whilst also increasing access to fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown in the gardens. It also seeks to grow peer support networks by connecting and helping carers to reduce their feelings of social isolation. Carers’ Corner also donates surplus fruit and vegetables to the Ealing Food bank, in doing this we give back to the local community by enhancing food security for families. If the initiative is successful, we plan to run Carers Corner regularly throughout the year.”
To find out more about Carers Corner and services in Ealing to support carers, click here.