Charity offering support to carers

A CHARITY that supports carers is encouraging Rochdalians who need extra support to get in touch. Charity N-Compass, operating through Rochdale Carers Hub, provides support to carers. Being a private carer applies to anyone, young or old, who may shop for someone, collect medication, or even cook or clean for them.

N-Compass can help organise counselling for people who feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, arrange for an extra carer to help share responsibilities, and there is even the possibility of financial support. Staff member Chloe Hryziuk said: “With covid, it has meant a massive spike in private carers.

“People struggling to care for these people and their own mental health.

“They may not know any help is available. We want to let them know that help is there. We offer counselling which gives people a way to vent - there is also some financial help available. An extra care can help share the responsibilities. “We also do spa days - it’s been affected by the covid at the moment but we will pay for the carer and a friend to have a few days away at a spa retreat to relax.”

Carers also have access to a closed Facebook group where they can meet people in a similar situation, a 24/7 carers help and talk line, and regular newsletters.

Advice is also free, professional and personalised. One adult carer from Rochdale who wishes to remain anonymous said: “I live alone with an elderly parent that has multiple health conditions and I felt trapped, very alone, and that there was no-one to turn to for help.” For more information see www.n-compass.org. uk/ our-services/ carers/rochdalecarers-hub