I Only Went to Return My Library Books – and Found the Support I Needed
I walked into the library carrying more than books
When I walked into Great Barr Library that day, I was only planning to return some books. But I was carrying something much heavier with me.
I was still getting to grips with some recent news where I had sat beside my husband as we were told he would be referred for a dementia diagnosis.
I walked away from that appointment frightened about what the future might hold. My thoughts were racing. What would happen to my husband? How quickly might things change? Would I know how to care for him? And who could I turn to if I couldn’t cope?
The appointment had understandably focused on my husband and his health. But as the person who would be beside him through whatever came next, I felt invisible.
Nobody had asked me, “How are you feeling?”
I didn’t think of myself as someone who needed help. I knew I needed to speak to someone, but I wouldn’t of asked for support but that day at the library, it was offered to me when I really needed it.
Someone noticed how I was feeling
When I arrived at Great Barr Library, a member of the Sandwell Carers Service team was there as part of a Carers drop-in.
They noticed that I was upset and took the time to speak to me. Instead of having to explain everything quickly or work out for myself what support I needed, I was given the time and space to talk about what had happened and how I was feeling.
Most importantly, somebody was listening to me.
I was reassured that I did not have to navigate everything alone and that there was support available for me as an unpaid Carer. My husband is my world ! And I didn’t recognise myself as unpaid Carer.
Finding support when I needed it most
The Sandwell Carers Service helped me connect with the support available locally. I was introduced to Carer resources, invited to the Carers group at Great Barr Library and registered so that the Information and Advice team could contact me for further support and wellbeing checks.
Knowing there were people I could speak to and other Carers who understood what I was going through immediately made things feel more manageable.
What had started as a routine trip to return my library books became something much more important.
From feeling alone to feeling supported
Before that conversation, I felt as though I was standing at the beginning of a journey without knowing where it would take us or how I would cope.
Being listened to, reassured and connected with support helped reduce some of that fear.
The Carers group at Great Barr Library has also given me the opportunity to meet people who are going through similar experiences. Having somewhere local where I can talk, ask questions and be around people who understand is priceless.
Since registering with Sandwell Carers Service, I have been referred to the Sandwell dementia service and received a home visit to help me complete PIP and benefits forms as well as investigating my entitlement to a council tax reduction.
I have also been given a Peace of Mind Plan (POM Plan), a document where you can detail all the information about the person that you care for which is essential just in case someone else had to step into my shoes.
I know there may be difficult times ahead as my husband progresses through the dementia diagnosis pathway, but I no longer feel that I have to face them on my own.
A simple trip that became a lifeline
I only went to the library to return some books.
Instead, I found someone who noticed I was struggling, listened to me and helped me find support before everything became too much.
For me, that simple conversation became a lifeline.
If sharing my experience helps another person caring for someone they love to recognise that they deserve support too, then I hope they will reach out. Sometimes, finding the right support can begin in the most unexpected of places.
Carer Groups and Drop-ins
Like Jenifer, you might find support when you least expect it.
Sandwell Carers Service takes support into the heart of local communities, helping to identify and support unpaid Carers earlier – before caring becomes overwhelming or reaches crisis point.
Our friendly Carer groups and drop-ins are places where you can talk to someone who understands, get practical information and advice, meet other Carers in your local area, or simply take some time for yourself. You don’t have to wait until things become difficult to ask for support.
We offer regular drop-ins at seven libraries across Sandwell, making it easier to find support close to home. You can also find our team at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Sandwell Hospital, Smethwick Heritage Centre & Community Hub and St Albans Community Centre.
Find a group or drop-in near you by viewing our latest timetable or looking at our What’s On calendar.
You don’t have to navigate your caring journey alone. Sometimes, one conversation can be the first step towards getting the support you need.
From feeling alone to feeling supported
Before that conversation, I felt as though I was standing at the beginning of a journey without knowing where it would take us or how I would cope.
Being listened to, reassured and connected with support helped reduce some of that fear.
The Carers group at Great Barr Library has also given me the opportunity to meet people who are going through similar experiences. Having somewhere local where I can talk, ask questions and be around people who understand is priceless.
Since registering with Sandwell Carers Service, I have been referred to the Sandwell dementia service and received a home visit to help me complete PIP and benefits forms as well as investigating my entitlement to a council tax reduction.
I have also been given a Peace of Mind Plan (POM Plan), a document where you can detail all the information about the person that you care for which is essential just in case someone else had to step into my shoes.
I know there may be difficult times ahead as my husband progresses through the dementia diagnosis pathway, but I no longer feel that I have to face them on my own.
A simple trip that became a lifeline
I only went to the library to return some books.
Instead, I found someone who noticed I was struggling, listened to me and helped me find support before everything became too much.
For me, that simple conversation became a lifeline.
If sharing my experience helps another person caring for someone they love to recognise that they deserve support too, then I hope they will reach out. Sometimes, finding the right support can begin in the most unexpected of places.
Carer Groups and Drop-ins
Like Jenifer, you might find support when you least expect it.
Sandwell Carers Service takes support into the heart of local communities, helping to identify and support unpaid Carers earlier – before caring becomes overwhelming or reaches crisis point.
Our friendly Carer groups and drop-ins are places where you can talk to someone who understands, get practical information and advice, meet other Carers in your local area, or simply take some time for yourself. You don’t have to wait until things become difficult to ask for support.
We offer regular drop-ins at seven libraries across Sandwell, making it easier to find support close to home. You can also find our team at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Sandwell Hospital, Smethwick Heritage Centre & Community Hub and St Albans Community Centre.
Find a group or drop-in near you by viewing our latest timetable or looking at our What’s On calendar.
You don’t have to navigate your caring journey alone. Sometimes, one conversation can be the first step towards getting the support you need.
