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Mental Health Carer Wellbeing Activity - York Minster and The Principal York

At York Carers Centre, we offer a range of support groups, including dedicated groups for those caring for someone with a mental health condition.

We work very closely with carers and understand the challenges they face in their daily lives. Many of our staff are unpaid carers themselves, giving them a personal understanding of the impact that caring responsibilities can have on a person’s wellbeing. We understand the importance of carers being made to feel valued and appreciated for the role they play.

So, following the success of the summer day trip to Scarborough beach, the Mental Health Team at York Carers Centre organised a local experience day in York. This provided an opportunity for carers who were unable to join the summer trip to participate in a similar event closer to home.

The activity was open to all mental health carers registered with York Carers Centre, and the team made every effort to ensure it was accessible to everyone. Carers were welcome to join for any part of the event if they were unable to attend the entire day due to caring responsibilities.

A Tour of York Minster

On the afternoon of Saturday 14 September, the York Carers Centre Mental Health team (Lindsey, Di and Liz) gathered with a group of 17 carers at York Minster. Carers of all ages were welcomed, and the carers that attended ranged from 21 years old (we happily celebrated a 21st birthday!) to an inspiring 90 years young!

York Minster generously provided us with a super volunteer guide who, having identified herself as a former carer, was able to really connect with the group and add a personal touch that put everyone at ease. Carers said how interesting and engaging the experience had been.

Afternoon Tea at The Principal York

The tour of York Minster lasted about 1.5 hours, and feeling hungry, the group made their way to The Principal York for afternoon tea. We were delighted that some carers who hadn’t been able to visit York Minster could join us for some of the day.

The Principal York had decorated a lovely room, setting up tables for 4-6 people, and the food was absolutely delicious! It created the perfect environment for carers to relax, meet other local carers, share ideas and experiences, and – most importantly – talk and take a break from caring responsibilities.

Feedback from carers

Many carers commented that, despite having lived in the area for many years, they had never had the opportunity to visit York Minster before.

“I have just returned from the lovely afternoon tea, it was such a treat.”

“Great company, lovely food and two hours just for me.”

“I loved every minute of it and really appreciate it.”

The afternoon tea was a resounding success. The two hours spent meeting other local carers, whom they would not usually have had the chance to meet, were considered invaluable. Most importantly, carers felt that those two hours provided the time and space to be heard.

The activity provided the opportunity to talk openly with one another, knowing they were sharing their experiences with others who understood the challenges they faced without judgement. Some genuine friendships were made that day.

Our thanks….

To everyone involved, making the day a huge success!

Special thanks to York Minster for their generous assistance and support in welcoming the group and making the visit so interesting and engaging.

Special thanks to The Principal York for providing such a wonderful venue for afternoon tea and for exceptional hospitality. Your kindness is truly appreciated.

And last, but certainly not least, a sincere thank you to all the carers. Please remember that we are always here to offer help and support whenever you need it.

To find out more about Mental Health Carer Groups call us on 01904 715490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk or visit our website here.

To find out more about our activities visit our website here.