Oakhaven support for carers in our community

As we start Carers Week 2025, you may have heard about the care and support Oakhaven Hospice provides to patients, but did you know that Oakhaven also supports those caring for friends and relatives?

Carer’s Week 2025

Running from 9th to 16th June, Carers' Week 2025 has a focus on ‘Caring About Equality.’ The aim is to highlight the disparities and disadvantages faced by unpaid carers across the UK and call for a fairer society where they have access to greater support.

There are 5.8 million people in the UK caring for a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, older or disabled. Unpaid carers save the UK economy an estimated £184 billion each year – the equivalent of a second NHS – yet many feel undervalued and unsupported.*

Caring for someone can have a significant impact on your own health, finances, employment and education opportunities. 70% of carers report a long-term physical or mental health condition, disability or illness, compared to 50% of non-carers.**

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “Caring for a loved one should never be a reason for facing inequality, but sadly, this is a reality for many in the UK. Unpaid carers are desperate for a break, for better health and social care provision, financial support and equality in the workplace. Over half say they need better understanding and recognition from the public.***

“Carers' Week 2025 is a crucial opportunity to increase awareness, highlighting those who provide vital care to family members, friends or neighbours when they need it most. We want to see a future where they have the right support and the same opportunities to lead healthy and financially secure lives alongside their caring role.”

Support for carers with Oakhaven Wellbeing

Oakhaven Wellbeing, based at the Coates Centre in the grounds of the Hospice, welcomes anyone in the New Forest, Totton and Waterside community who is affected by a life-limiting illness, is a carer or is living with a loss or bereavement.

Every month, a range of social activities and support groups take place. In addition, you are welcome to drop by for guidance, signposting and a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee.

> Find useful signposting information for carers.

Lee Rand, Oakhaven's Wellbeing Coordinator, commented, "The support we provide at the Coates Centre isn't just for Oakhaven patients and their families. We also support our wider community and welcome everyone who cares for a relative or friend.

"Some of our support groups run weekly, such as the dementia support group on Thursdays, whilst others run once or twice a month. In addition, we have groups and workshops encompassing art, craft, movement, mindfulness, singing... and much more! Do take a look at the calendar on our website and get in touch with us by email at wellbeing@oakhavenhospice.co.uk if you would like any further information."

> Find out more about Oakhaven Wellbeing activities and support groups.

Oakhaven Care: support in your own home

In addition to the support for carers offered at the Coates Centre by Oakhaven Wellbeing, Oakhaven Care provides visiting and live-in home care services throughout the New Forest, Totton, Waterside and beyond.

Oakhaven Care Ltd is a home care provider owned by The Oakhaven Trust. A social enterprise, 100% of any profits made by Oakhaven Care are donated to Oakhaven Hospice - rather than lining the pockets of investors.

The highly-trained team provides personalised care, tailored to the individual and flexible to change as your needs develop. From 30-minute drop-in visits to multiple daily visits, extending to live-in and 24-hour care as and when required, Oakhaven Care Assistants support you to remain in the comfort of your own home and maintain your chosen lifestyle.

Eric engaged Oakhaven Care initially to provide home care for his father: "I've been using Oakhaven Care services for over five years now. I initially contacted them to provide daily visits when it became obvious that my father was struggling with caring for my mother, who was having a hard time with depression and decreased mobility. The change that the Oakhaven carers brought to the house was immediate and transformative.

"Suddenly, my father was no longer the only person responsible for caring for my mother, which meant that their relationship could go back to being husband and wife, rather than what it had become. Then, in early 2020, my father fell and broke his hip, at which point, Oakhaven were able to provide live-in carers to assist with all the things my father was no longer able to do. Since mid-2020, we've been using the same live-in caregiver, and she remained in place after my mother's passing later that year. I'm really not sure if my father would still be alive if not for the amazing presence of his carer."

> Find out more about Oakhaven Care

 

* Petrillo, M., Zhang, J., and Bennett, M.R. (2024) Valuing Carers 2021/2022: the value of unpaid care in the UK. London: Carers UK.
** GP Patient Survey, NHS, 2024.
*** Carers UK, State of Caring report, 2023.