You Are Not Alone: Support & Friendship Await

Feel Good Feb was a resounding success last year, so much so that we have brought it back. As part of this we would like to highlight a group within BallyCara who exemplify our Sona® Value of 'Everyone Matters' through their caring and supportive ventures.

How do you describe a group that helps others so much? Amazing, wonderful, incredible, caring, kind... These are all words than can be used to describe BallyCara's Carers' Auxiliary. A special group of Residents who are an integral part of life at the Village of Friends. Not only do they run a gift shop, fundraise for Residential Care and other groups of BallyCara including Invigorate, but in 2023 they set up a new group facilitated by BallyCara staff member Tina, specifically for carers and those who are experiencing grief and isolation.

It is called the Peer Support Group, a social and welcoming space where participants are encouraged to share their experiences and learn from other carers alike, and on occasion, external guest speakers.

The reprecussions of Covid and the subsequent lockdowns further increased the feeling of isolation for many and it has been a challenge to regain those support networks that may have been lost or fallen by the wayside.
The group's aim is to remove these barriers and build a strong support network for both carers and their loved ones.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the group is the friendships that have formed and the engagement from all. This could be smiling, laughing, sometimes shedding a tear as participants do not feel alone when others are or have experienced similar (or more complex) feelings and situations.

Within the conversations fantastic advice, tips and more related to finding a balance between carer's needs and the needs of care recipients is shared; specialist guest speakers also provide further education and resources.

This Peer Support Group has been a wonderful addition to the Village of Friends encouraging further connection for those who may feel like they are alone.

The group is open to all Village Residents and their carers. The next meeting is Thursday 27th February.

If you have any feel good stories for February please feel free to share them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..