The Carers Project has been running for nearly 20 years. The project is secular and welcomes all faiths, backgrounds and genders. It is separate to any Buddhist activities we run and extends a compassionate reach into the community. You can contact the project team at carersbreaks14@gmail.com or on their new phone number 07592 202018.
What is the Carers Project?
Our project offers carers a chance to learn relaxation techniques and approaches which help them cope better with stress. Sessions are for unpaid carers of family members or friends who live in Birmingham or care for someone living in Birmingham.
The Birmingham Buddhist Centre is a delivery partner of Birmingham Carers Hub – the hub has a helpline 0333 006 9711 and a website and are also on Facebook. Their email address is info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk. The Birmingham Carers Hub partnership is managed by Forward Carers CIC and funded by Birmingham City Council, and Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board who are integrated with the Birmingham Children’s Trust.
CARER BREAKS
We are creating more away days and overnight breaks in the coming years, thanks to Birmingham Carers Hub who commission us to run the Carers Wellbeing Project. Food, travel and accommodation are all provided, free of charge to the carers. The breaks are created with a sense of space and relaxation, with optional activities and ample time to explore countryside and connect to other carers. You’re welcome to attend one break per year, to allow for new and other carers to also get some rest and relaxation.
NEXT BREAK:
Coming up in summer
A chance to relax with other carers, take some time out from your caring role and learn some stress management tools on one of our wellbeing breaks.
We really welcome new carers along and priority will be given to those who have not attended an event before, or been recently.
– Lunch and dinner included, with tea and cake throughout the day
– Travel and accommodation included free of charge
– Relaxational breathing techniques
– optional creative activities
– and plenty of time to relax and chat with other carers
All free to carers with optional donation towards costs
You must be a current carer who lives within Birmingham, and be registered or willing to be registered with the Birmingham Carers Hub – this is essential for funding
Places are limited – please only send a request if you are committed to attending (ie. have cover in place for the day)
FREE TAI CHI
Every Tuesday, at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. 11.45am-12.45pm
Tai Chi involves gentle flowing movements which help with relaxation, balance, flexibility and fitness. There are standing and sitting options suitable for all abilities. No need to book – just turn up.
If you would like to continue at home, there are some online sessions recommended by one of the carers:
Here (10 minute session with verbal instructions in English)
Here (23 minutes with written instructions on screen)
Please modify any movements that are too difficult for you.
CARERS YOGA
Every Thursday Morning there’s a yoga class specifically for Carers. It costs £4 on the door and is open to all current carers in Birmingham. Please contact Carol if you’re interested in joining the class so she can ask some questions regarding health and accessibility: Contact – Carmaha-yoga
Carol also is offering any Carer a discounted rate to join her other classes. Find a list of her classes on this page here.
CUBS GROUP
(Carers United Birmingham South) Carer led group
Bi weekly Tuesdays, at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. 1:30pm-3pm
This is a group run by carers for carers. Each session involves different activities, sometimes these are practical and supportive tips for things like wellbeing or finance, to art sessions and creative skills, games. But most importantly a chance to chat, get to know other carers, and support one another in roles as carers.
Sessions will be on every other Tuesday: 14/1, 28/1, 11/2, 25/2, 11/3, 25/3, 8/4
CARER PEER MENTORS
We are delighted to be able to offer a new part of the project, thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for our Carers Wellbeing Project. The funding has allowed us to create a team of carer peer mentors, to offer support to other carers. During our experience in running Carers events over the past 15+ years, we noticed how much assistance carers were able to give to other carers, so we wanted to build on that further. The Carer Mentors have received full training and a mental health first aid qualification.
We currently have 6 Mentors in the pilot project with the hope to secure more funding in the future.