Taking care of those who care
Carers4Carers are wellbeing specialists for carers, helping and looking out for those who care for others.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Carers4Carers were running activity sessions from their base in Lambeth, offering everything from Zumba to badminton, table tennis, spin classes, an “Ageless Grace” chair workout and knitting.
Therapists would also provide treatments including reflexology and chair massage. All this work led to their success at the London Sport Awards in the Community Impact category.
When these close-quarters activities were no longer possible, Carers4Carers adapted their activities to work for online sessions.
As well as reaching their usual audience, a shift to digital also meant a wider range of people can take part with different ability and stamina levels.
“Carers tell us frequently how we’ve been a real lifeline to them during this time.” Paula Bryan, Co-founder and CEO Carers 4 Carers
Being online has helped them get further afield than before – opening up their classes London-wide, and even reaching out to people stranded by the pandemic in Ghana, Guyana and Pakistan.
Carers4Carers are now running online classes including boxercise, chi gung, ballet barre and HiiT to enthusiastic groups of Zoom attendees.
Beyond physical activity, Carers4Carers look to support their community’s social and mental wellbeing, running a quiz night for members and their families.
Carers4 connection is a chance to chat or to gain some tips on self care and having learned new digital skills themselves, Carers4Carers are even passing these on to their community.
