OUT & ABOUT
Caring about carers
Many of us don’t expect to become an unpaid carer in our lifetime, but the reality is that two thirds of us will.
Whether that’s an elderly person caring for their spouse who has dementia; someone tending to a terminally ill partner; or a teenager looking after a parent with mental health – unpaid carers are the most vital but often overlooked component of adult social care. And whilst there are many rewarding aspects to informally caring for a loved one, juggling the work-life-care balance can be challenging and isolating. In Rotherham Town Centre, a new carers hub has opened to give unpaid carers a well-deserved break from their responsibilities and access support services for any worries they may have. The Corner Café and Charity Shop was launched in December by Crossroads Care Rotherham, a charity which has been supporting carers in the town for 30 years. Since starting in 1990,
Crossroads Care’s main aim has been to give unpaid carers time to
themselves to improve their health and well-being through a range of respite care packages, befriending services, complementary therapies and beneficial activities or workshops. However, they were increasingly finding that many of their carers felt isolated with nowhere to go at weekends or outside of Crossroads Care’s service hours.
The Corner has been designed to fill that gap, providing a safe
‘‘While The Corner was launched as a carers hub, it is also open to the general public for people to pop in for a coffee and a chat.’’
and welcoming place for people to meet up with other carers and chat to those going through similar circumstances, all while enjoying quality teas and coffees. Based on the corner of
Bridgegate overlooking All Saint’s Square and Rotherham Minster, the café is housed in the former visitor centre building which has been completely overhauled inside thanks to help from local tradesmen, businesses and volunteers who have given their time, services and materials for free.
Along with building supplies, paint and even the granite worktop for the counter all being donated, the building’s owner, Parkgate- based LPE Properties, has given them the premises rent-free for 15 months, with nominal rent thereafter for the remainder of the three-year lease.
The coffee shop area is clean and bright with a modern industrial feel to the décor and is wheelchair accessible. Along with top of the range teas and coffees, they also offer a choice of cakes, sweet treats and toast and can cater for all allergies and diets including vegan. For their drinks menu, The Corner Café is working with Dinnington beverage supplier, The Heavenly Coffee Company, who donated the coffee machine, crockery and
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pinafores as well as providing free barista training for all staff and volunteers. Volunteers took part in a blind tasting experience to help the Crossroads trustees choose which product range to buy for the café to ensure visitors have the best possible experience. Carers also get ten percent discount off all menu items and there is a loyalty card available too.
While The Corner was launched as a carers hub, it is also open to the general public for people to pop in for a coffee and a chat. There may even be people out there who are hidden carers; those who have unknowingly cared for someone for many years without help and support.
Whether carers need help with finances, relationship breakdowns, or work and education, information is available to signpost people to the right support services out there. This may be using Crossroads Care’s domiciliary care service – South Yorkshire’s only outstanding rated care service by the CQC - to take some of the weight off their shoulders.
Some carers may want to have some ‘me time’ again and enjoy one of the regular activity sessions that take place, from pottery and crafts to dance and gentle exercise, to
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