A carer’s café designed to support unpaid carers in the north east of the county, has opened at St. Peter’s Church in Marlborough.

The carer’s café is run by local charity Carer Support Wiltshire who run carer cafes and support groups throughout the region. This new addition was made possible through the charity’s Community Connections fundraising appeal and money raised by the Tesco Bags of Help project.

For those looking after a loved one it’s a chance to enjoy a break and a free cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake with others in a similar situation. The café at St. Peter’s Church, situated at the west end of the high street in Marlborough, will run from 10.15am to 11.45am every last Wednesday of the month.

Julian Pugsley, the Community Connector for the Marlborough area for Carer Support Wiltshire, said, “We are very excited to be establishing a carer’s café in Marlborough, to serve as a resource for unpaid carers in the town and the surrounding villages.”

Julian continued, “Our carer’s cafés are very informal and unpaid carers can simply turn up on the morning and receive a warm welcome. Carers do not need to be registered with Carer Support Wiltshire to attend and there is no obligation for carers to talk about their caring roles. Very often, this is the last thing carers wish to talk about! However, the café can also be a safe space to talk about issues carers are facing and to seek advice and guidance from our volunteer and other carers.”

Jean Mayston, from Burbage who cares for her husband is grateful for the opportunity to take a break away from her caring role. She comes with her daughter, Karen who is also a carer.

“It’s really difficult to pre-plan or go out for long periods of time when you look after someone and we often can’t afford to do anything. It’s so nice to get out, on my own or with my daughter. Sometimes caring can make you feel a bit isolated.”

Ann from Great Bedwyn agrees: “The café is lovely and it’s so nice to talk to others and enjoy a bit of company.”

Carer Support Wiltshire run carer cafes and support groups throughout the region. To find out more please telephone Freephone number 0800 181 4118 or visit www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk