{
  "abstract": "Background There are at least 20,000 unpaid carers in Warrington (Warrington Borough Council. Warrington Carers Strategy 2025 – 2028) and 81% of carers have felt lonely or isolated (Carers UK. 10 facts about loneliness and caring in the UK for Loneliness Awareness Week. [News item] 2021 June 16). After feedback from local carers, a hospice acknowledged that its support for them was insufficient.Aim To enable all carers providing care to a loved one with an end-of-life diagnosis in Warrington to have access to ongoing peer support that is sustainable without duplicating other local offers.Method The hospice met with partner organisations – the local Carers Hub and council-led Wellbeing Team – to discuss how to bridge the gap. They then approached a grant funder with a proposal to introduce a sustainable weekly drop-in group to improve the mental health of carers whilst also addressing the challenges of a growing population and increasing demand on the hospice. A working group was formed, meeting regularly to ensure the group was adaptable to changing needs.Results The group continues to be successful with 48 group sessions providing support to 621 attendees over the first 12 months. A hospice Therapy Assistant co-ordinates the group but it is now facilitated by volunteers after a period of shadowing, freeing up hospice resources. Highlights included two annual partnership events (afternoon tea and summer garden party) with the local Carers Hub, demonstrating the effectiveness of partnership working.Qualitative data has been collected with a positive response: ‘Would very much recommend [this ] service to family and friends. As well as working and being my husband’s carer, it provides me with some me time which I didn’t think I needed but I love’ and ‘I feel cared for. Feel I have something in common and it’s a safe place to talk’.Conclusion Partnership working has been successful. The group continues to evolve and grow after the funding period ended and is fully sustainable due to the upskilling of volunteers.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "St Rocco’s Hospice, Warrington, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Nicola Ryder"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P-49 Partnership working to enhance support to carers to reduce social isolation and improve mental health",
  "uid": "82d345fd-1436-5524-92c4-007754d8787f"
}