The Cossey Carers Support Group was set up at the Longwater Lane Surgery in Costessey in March 2002 and is run on a purely voluntary and privately funded basis.   .
 
Cossey Carers Support Group has grown to be the  largest group in Norfolk with a reputation and expertise that is called upon by many, including Social Services and the Citizens Advice Bureau. We are also proud to be the only unsupported group in Norfolk with the organising, planning and running is entirely by our own members. We have many members from outside the area and a warm welcome is assured to any others who would care to come and join us.

The Support Group was formed to provide help, support and guidance to those in a Carers role.   We have managed to raise the awareness of Carers in society and the important role they play providing valuable resource and economic benefit in the community.

We operate under the umbrella of the Social Services, Carers Forum and the Southern Primary Care Trust.   We have a committee and a signed constitution to observe.

We have successfully relayed the situations Carers find themselves in with the Service providers and influenced decisions and policy.

The group meet regularly on the first Wednesday of every month between 10-00 AM  and       13-00 PM at The Costessey Centre in Longwater Lane, opposite the surgery.We offer an opportunity to meet and talk to others who have experienced feelings and situations possibly similar to your own or can relate to your problems, informally over a cup of tea or coffee.  

By being in contact with various agencies, means that the Carers Group gain up to date information, get to know about training, benefits, services and support available as well as raising greater awareness of the issues and requirements of our members with the authorities.   By being part of a Carers Group there is more chance of being heard and influencing strategy.

Recently Government is realising the valuable role played by Carers which has been greatly undervalued.

Caring, is a hard, never ending and stressful work so role recognition and group support is vital - together we can make a difference!

Cossey Carers Support Group
Telephone 01 603 743411 For the Chairperson.  Telephone 01 603 742185 For the Treasurer.

Telephone 01 603 461441 For the Secretary.

   or email to cosseycarers@ntlworld.com  

Following a regrouping from February 1st 2009 we will be operating under the name of Care for Carers but still retaining the old name of Costessey Carers. We have decided on this change to reflect the wider area from which our members are now coming. 

Funding

We are privately funded with sponsorship from local companies, organisations and an annual Social Services Carers Grant.   Without all their continuous help and contributions we would not be able to provide this service.   Please take time to visit our Sponsors Page.

If you think you may be able to provide any help or contribute in any way then please contact us.   We will be pleased to acknowledge your support and provide reciprocal links to your website.

Please note that not all sponsors details are listed on our Sponsors Page as not all wish to receive publicity.