IT’S BEEN 15 months since the doors were forced to close on Carer Support Wiltshire’s face-to-face carer cafes and support groups. This week the charity are delighted to finally be able to welcome carers back for a cuppa, cake and a chat at venues all across Wiltshire.

Volunteer Viv Bass has been helping to run cafés for carers for many years and says she was “absolutely devastated” when they had to close in March of last year.

She said: “We usually have 10-12 carers who regularly attend. Over the years many have formed their own friendship groups – it’s lovely to see them going off to have lunch together. Since the first lockdown I’ve been ringing everyone fortnightly because I didn’t want them to feel abandoned. I’ve updated them on how everyone is getting on.

“I know that they are looking forward to seeing one another in person again and the staff and volunteers at CSW are ready to go.”

Carer Support Wiltshire runs the cafes to give those people who care for someone the opportunity to meet with others who are in a similar situation to their own. Being a carer can be an isolating experience and carers may spend a lot of time at home if the person they care for has a disability or illness that makes it difficult for them to go out.

Vince Danaher, Carer Support Wiltshire’s volunteer manager, said: “We’ve had to wait for the right time to reopen because many of our carers are looking after someone who is vulnerable. Measures have been put in place to ensure carers are kept as safe as possible. We’re all really looking forward to welcoming them back.”

If you are an unpaid carer and would like to find out more, call 0800 181 4118 or visit carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on Places must be booked in advance.

Local groups include:

Evergreen Court Café, Amesbury – 1st Wednesday of the month, 10:30am-12

The Weaving Shed, Bradford-on-Avon – 4th Thursday of the month, 10:30am-12

Lansdowne Strand Hotel, Calne – second Tuesday of the month, 10.30am-12pm

Angel Hotel, Chippenham – third Monday of the month, 10.30am-12pm

Methuen Arms, Corsham – third Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12pm

Bear Hotel, Devizes – first Wednesday of the month, 10.30am-12pm

The Queens Head, Ludgershall – first Tuesday of the month, 3-4:.0pm

Angel Tea Rooms, Mere – third Monday of the month, 2.30-4pm

Parent carers café – third Wednesday of the month, phone for venues/times

Red Lion Hotel, Salisbury – 3rd Monday of the month, 10:30am-12

Beaton Café. Tisbury – 4th Tuesday of the month, 10:30am-12

Palmer Gardens, Trowbridge – 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2-3:30pm

Crockerton Garden Centre, Warminster – 2nd Tuesday of the month, 2-3:30pm