New Forest Carers Friends (NFCF) are a small group supporting carers of relative, friends or neighbours in the New Forest. The group is run by a small and enthusiastic committee that is under the umbrella of Carers Together. This enables us to concentrate on providing activities for carers, as well as continue communication with all the cafes and groups they have links with. We control our own finances and therefore have to raise funds to enable us to finance the Relaxation Days for carers in the New Forest. Several activities such as: outings; lunches; trips on the Alison McGregor boat from Hythe; and shopping trips, are self-funded and carers can bring their cared-for with them. We also offer Relaxation Days (2 per year if possible) to our carers free of charge. A day of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, etc (all provided by professional therapists), as well as crafts and music are also available for carers to drop-in as they wish throughout the day. We also provide breathing and laughter exercises for the carer to use at home. There is also the opportunity for quiet contemplation, playing games and chatting with other carers and past carer to share their experiences and remember that they are not alone in their situations. We have an on-going "fill a jar with coins" collection amongst our groups and carers as these enable people to off-load their small change and help fund-raise for us. We also have wonderful supporters who make occasional donations towards our work. We are also always looking for enthusiastic carer to help us with our activities and organisation.
To find out about our upcoming and past activities, see our NFCF blog for more information
New Forest Carers Friends Committee Members Chair Anne Meader - Carers Together Secretary Jan Quirk Treasurer Lynne Shadick - Lyndhurst Carers Committee Members Karen Breach - Totton Carers Margaret Gibbs - Ringwood Carers Anne Osborne - Ringwood Carers Ann Pruce - Totton Carers Mercy Turner - MUMM Music Group Jean Withall - Totton Carers