For many local carers finding the energy, time and money to do things they enjoy and that will benefit their health and wellbeing, like going to the gym or attending an exercise or leisure class can feel almost impossible.
That’s why earlier this year Care for the Carers teamed up with The Isabel Blackman Centre, a vibrant community leisure and wellbeing centre for the over 50s in Hastings Old Town to offer free 6-month passes for carers. Through this initiative at our local carers centre we have already supported over 30 carers to try new activities, prioritise their health and wellbeing and to meet new friends whilst they take a short break from caring.
A Hastings carer who attends 3-4 classes a week at the centre with her free pass shared:
“This has been my lifeline. It has given me a positive reason to get up in the morning and have something to look forward to that is for me. I have reconnected with old friends and other carers. The staff and other members have made me feel very welcome and it has helped to take away the isolation you can feel as a full time carer. The physical and relaxing exercise has helped me to be physically and mentally stronger.”
To find out more about the free passes please contact Mark Townsend, Communities Team Leader at marktownsend@cftc.org.uk or call 01323 738390.
