Staff and volunteers at the charity understand what it takes to be a carer and how stressful it can be for people trying to cope with a family member or friend who needs round the clock care.

This is why the charity hosts meetings for carers once a month allowing them to discuss issues that are important to them, share information and experiences and offer extra support to those who need it.

The meetings also give carers the opportunity to raise needs and issues that they have identified during their care duties.

Central Notts MIND general manager Girish Ravat says offering support to carers in the area is a great way to make people realise they are not alone.

"The group allows carers to meet up with one another and share ideas and experiences, which will help them cope better with their duties," says Girish.

"Being a carer can be incredibly draining and sometimes people feel very alone –– but the group offers both support and friendship which makes them realise there are plenty of other people in the same situation as them.

"Carers do a great job in the community, which is why we feel it is very important to help them in any way we possibly can.

"Our family support scheme helps carers by giving them respite. The scheme takes the person being cared for away and looks after them for the day giving the carer a break and an opportunity to have time to do things without the worry of the person they are caring for."

One carer who has benefited from the group meetings is Joan. She told
Chad: "A few years ago I decided I wanted to find out more to help me with my carer duties.

"I was eager to learn and the group helped me by being so welcoming and encouraging me to do well. The advice I got was very valuable."

Anybody interested in becoming a Central Notts MIND volunteer or trustee or who would like to organise a charity event or make a donation to Central Notts MIND should contact Girish Ravat on Mansfield 658044.