New Carers Support and Wellbeing Support Group Launched

Barnsley Hospice is delighted to announce the start of a new support group for unpaid carers of people with progressive life-limiting illnesses in Barnsley.

The Carers Support and Wellbeing Group will commence on Thursday 5 February 2026, thanks to a grant from the The National Lottery Community Fund, running to the end of January 2027.

Held in The Orangery at Barnsley Hospice every first and third Thursday of the month from February 5, the sessions will prioritise the health and wellbeing of carers in a relaxed and informal environment.

The group is completely free to attend. Booking isn’t necessary, but you can find out more and register your interest by contacting our team at The Orangery on 01226 244 244. Diane Gledhill-Cragg, Barnsley Hospice’s Complementary Therapy and Wellbeing Lead said:

“We are so pleased to be able to launch this new support group thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. Having held a really successful trial event, we identified a distinct need to provide care for carers and this support group will provide just that.”

“Every session will be an opportunity for unpaid carers to learn from our team of allied healthcare professionals, covering topics such as self-care, social and welfare support, emotional support as well as signposting to essential services amongst others. Whilst each group session will have one of these themes, they will be relaxed and supportive in a welcoming and non-judgemental environment.”

There is no need to book, but you can register your interest or enquire for more information by contacting The Orangery team on 01226 244 244 or emailing theorangery@barnsley-hospice.org.

Here are the first six group sessions and the topics covered:

Thursday 5 February (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm) – The Orangery team, introduction, housekeeping, group guidelines and importance of selfcare

Thursday 19 February (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm) – Physiotherapy – safe moving and handling/falls awareness

Thursday 5 March (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm) – Social Worker – My Backup Plan – putting things in place for when a carer is unable to care

Thursday 19 March (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm) – Counselling – Navigating emotions and feelings after diagnosis

Thursday 2 April (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm)- IPU – Future Planning/Medicine Management

Thursday 16 April (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm) – The Orangery – Caring for Yourself: Managing Stress & Anxiety