Carers’ Corner Expands Across Cornwall to Offer Support and Advice for Carers

A simple chat is helping hundreds of carers feel less alone

Carers across Cornwall are finding support in unexpected places, thanks to a growing network of informal drop-in sessions that have already helped hundreds.

The pop-up-style Carers’ Corner sessions now run across five locations, providing advice, reassurance and a listening ear to those who may not even realise they’re carers.

No Appointment Needed

Carers’ Corner was first introduced in June 2023 at Royal Cornwall Hospital through a partnership between the Admiral Nurse Service and the Patient Engagement Service. Its success led to a second location opening at West Cornwall Hospital in November 2023.

Today, carers can access the service at:

• Royal Cornwall Hospital, Trelawney Wing reception – Tuesdays, 1pm to 3pm

• Bodmin Community Hospital, community assessment and treatment unit – Last Thursday of the month, 1pm to 3pm

• St Austell Community Hospital, reception area – Last Friday of the month, 1pm to 3pm

• West Cornwall Hospital, reception area – First Wednesday of the month, 1pm to 3pm

• Probus Church Hall – Second Monday of the month, 10am to midday

Carers can simply turn up during these times without needing to book.

📷Admiral nurse Sarah Arundell at a Carers' Corner session with carer, Vivienne

A Safe Space to Talk

At a recent session at Bodmin Community Hospital, admiral nurse Sarah Arundell said:

“There are a lot of people going into appointments or visiting who don’t identify themselves as being a carer.
We give them information about services that may be able to support them in their caring role.
If we identify that the carer is struggling, we can refer the carer to the admiral nurse services.”

Sarah explained that admiral nurses are specifically trained to support carers looking after people living with dementia.

Real-Life Support for Real-Life Struggles

📷Vivienne

Vivienne, who has been caring for her husband since he had a stroke, visited Carers’ Corner during a trip to Bodmin Community Hospital. She said:

“It was really helpful. When something like this happens to you it’s quite scary. It’s nice to have information and people behind you. You don’t know who to ask so this really helps.”

📷Susan

Susan, also caring for her husband after a fall, said:

“It is a demanding job. I have to get him out of bed, wash him in the morning and get him dressed. It’s hard work. I will be here (at the hospital) until 8pm tonight so it’s nice to communicate with someone else.
I know that I can call a number when Harold comes home and they will come and see what he needs, which is a very good thing.”

Nearly 900 Conversations Already

📷Caroline Ellis - Admiral nurse service lead.

Caroline Ellis, admiral nurse service lead, said the informal nature of the service has made a big difference:

“Carers’ Corner is for any carer. We are there for any carer who is wondering how to navigate themselves around the health and social care system.
What is so great about the Carers’ Corner is that they are informal. They’re not formally structured.
It’s helping carers talk about their caring role and an opportunity for carers to reflect and consider whether they are a carer which is very important as there is support out there for them.”

She added:

“We have provided nearly 900 different interventions and guidance to carers, including appropriate signposting to carers with meaningful conversations. That’s something I want to increase so carers in Cornwall are feeling less isolated in their caring role.”

A Growing Support Network

The drop-in sessions tend to happen when carers are visiting loved ones in hospital, giving them a natural window to pause and seek help.

The service is coordinated by the Carers’ Corner steering group, bringing together various organisations to better support unpaid carers across Cornwall.

Carers don’t need to sign up or identify themselves formally. They can simply walk in, have a conversation and leave with the support they need.