Education and Leisure

Manchester Carers Forum organises Education & Leisure events for carers across Manchester. The purpose of these events is to give carers the chance to remove themselves from their caring role for a few hours and to develop individual skills and interests.

Please see below for details of current activities and events.

Forum Meetings

Our monthly forum meeting takes place on the first Monday of every month at our offices, London Scottish House, 24 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 3NN. The forum meeting usually take place between 12pm and 2pm and a finger buffet is provided to start every meeting off. During these meetings, as well as a speaker, Carers have the opportunity to discuss any caring related issues that they want to talk about and listen to the experiences of others who have had similar day-to-day struggles.

Telephone Manchester Carers Forum on 0161 819 2229 for more information.

North Manchester Carers Support Group - 3rd Friday of the Month

We have been running the North Manchester Carers Support Group for a number of years now and we regard this as a special group because of the friendly atmosphere and the fantastic rapport amongst the members. This is also a smaller group in terms of numbers but for those that attend it is very useful and much needed. The group runs on the 3rd Friday of every month (dates below) at the North Manchester Wellbeing Centre, 93 Church Lane, M9 5BG. Like the other support groups this one involves a free hot and cold buffet lunch followed by activities, peer support and guest speakers.

Telephone Manchester Carers Forum on 0161 819 2229 for more information or to join in the group.

South Manchester Carers Support Group

This is a carers support group primarily targeting carers residing in the South Manchester/Wythenshawe area.  These sessions are monthly meetings which involve carers discussions, activities and various education and leisure activities. The meetings are held at The Wythenshawe Forum in room 1 from 12.00pm - 2.00pm including a free hot meal at the forum cafe.  The group runs 2nd Tuesday of every month.

Telephone Manchester Carers forum on 0161 819 2226 for more information or to join in the group.

H.A.N.D.S

Manchester Carers Forum along with Manchester NHS Trust and the Glentop House Care Management Team have successfully set up a support group for carers and family members who are caring for people with substance misuse problems. The term substance misuse refers to all substances including illicit drugs and alcohol. The group offers support, advice and information as well as lunch and refreshments. This group usually runs on the second monday of each month at the MCF office.

Telephone Manchester Carers Forum on 0161 819 2226 for more information or to join in the group.

Newsletter Group

Are you interested in sparing some time to help compile the MCF monthly Newsletter?

Do you have an interest in reporting on local events and stories?

If you have answered yes to the above questions why not come and join us at MCF on the last Tuesday of the month. Sessions usually run from 13.00pm until 3.00pm.

There will be a range of skills and tasks to learn about including

Writing & Proof Reading

Designing

Photography

Telephone Manchester Carers Forum on 0161 819 2226 for more information or to join in the group.

Computer Sessions with the PC Wizard

Are you interested in improving and developing your computer skills?

If so MCF are offering weekly sessions for carers of all levels to develop confidence and ability in using computers.

We have space for up to 8 carers on each session who will be able to make use of MCF laptops and access the support from our computer expert, the PC Wizard!!!

Telephone Manchester Carers Forum on 0161 819 2226 for more information.

Carers Book Club

MCF run a carers book club from our office at London Scottish House, 24 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 3NN.  We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month usually between 11am till 1pm. Books are provided by MCF and are yours to keep!

June 20th - Agent Zigzag by Ben McIntyre

July 18th - All Quiet on the Western Front by Eric Marie Remarque

August 15th - Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

September 19th - Beloved by Toni Morrison

October 17th - A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

November 21st - Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Telephone Manchester Carers Forum on 0161 819 2226 to join the group

STAR Stroke Club & the CARES Club

The clubs have been set up as a partnership between the Active Therapy Team (SMUHT) and Manchester Carers Forum with the aim of supporting Carers and the person that they care for. Carers can attend these clubs either on their own or with the person they look after and enjoy the activities on offer.

We have a variety of activities throughout the morning:-

Holistic Therapies - Aromatherapy, Massage, Facials, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage etc. Please note that following changes to the MCF funding structure, all carers pampering services are chargeable to carers. If you need Individual Budget advice please contact Nat, Dave or Rick at the MCF office.

Craft Activities - Hand made greeting cards, dried flower arranging, servage (napkin craft), bookmarks and gifts.

Exercise Classes - Classes are tailored to suit the capabilities of the client and are suitable for both the able bodied and those that are less able.

Games - Dominoes, cards, board games etc.

The group is a chance to meet new people and exchange ideas and experiences. Carers can have a break for a couple of hours knowing that their dependant (if they are with them) is fully occupied. The group is very friendly and supportive and if you are coming on your own you can be sure of a warm welcome.

The CARES Club - is held every Thursday at the Active Therapy Office in Withington Community Hospital between 10am to 12 pm and is for people with all conditions and their carers.

The STAR Stroke Club - is held every Friday at St Paul's Community Centre between 10am to 1pm. This group is designed for people suffering from strokes and their carers.

If you are interested in these groups or if you would like additional information please contact Nat at the MCF Office on 0161 819 2226

Buddhist Centre Initiatives for Carers

The Manchester Buddhist Centre is located at 16-20 Turner Street in the northern quarter area of the city centre. As well as providing a vast selection of activities for community groups they provide certain opportunities for carers such as Meditation, Qi Gung and Retreat Weekends. For Information please contact: Mokshajyoti on 0161 834 9232

Retreat Weekends

The Manchester Buddhist Centre have been running Retreat Weekend for Carers for the past 9 years. Originally they took place at Unstone Grange which is situated just outside of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Nowadays they are held at the Haybergill Centre in Appleby in Cumbria. The weekends are two night breaks, usually departing Manchester on Friday afternoon and returning on Sunday afternoon. Whilst on a retreat weekend a carer can access relaxation workshops such as shiatsu, meditation and yoga during the day and partake in fun communal activities in the evening. These weekends are a fantastic experience and something that all carers should try. They are very relaxing and provide carers with the perfect setting in which to recharge their batteries. The team that facilitate the weekend are all members of the Buddhist Centre and are all committed to providing the ideal setting for carers to enjoy themselves. All the food and refreshments are vegetarian and prepared by the team using fresh and local produce. For further information please contact Arthaketu on 0161-834-9232 or arthaketu@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk Qi Gong Gentle Chinese Exercise & Relaxation At the Manchester Buddhist Centre Qi Gong can be translated as: "Working with Life's Energy and Breathing Exercises" Qi Gong is not strenuous and is beneficial to people of all ages. It involves harmonious and wholesome health exercises which are designed to rejuvenate the body and increase energy and positivity in terms of: Increasing Concentration Developing Posture & Muscle Tone & Improving Balance Promoting Good Health by Calming Stress & Anxiety Alleviating High Blood Pressure & Other Ailments Improving Bodily Awareness Sessions to take place on alternate Wednesday's from 1.30pm till 3pm All carers are welcome to drop in and participate at a cost of £5   Contact the Sattvadhika at the Bodywise Centre at the Buddhist Centre on 0161 834 9232 for more information and to confirm current dates for this year. Manchester Buddhist Centre (Bodywise) 16-20 Turner Street Manchester M4 1DZ