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Carers across Cornwall are benefiting from a new support initiative.

With an integrated approach from services and organisations, it forms a Carers' Corner steering group to facilitate carers across the county.

Carers' Corner gives every carer an opportunity to access support and advice when looking after their loved ones.

It was first introduced in June 2023 in a partnership between the Integrated Admiral Nurse Service and the Patient Engagement Service at Royal Cornwall Hospital. Following its success a second Carers' Corner was added at West Cornwall Hospital in November 2023.

With no pre-appointment needed, the drop-in sessions now take place at 5 venues across Cornwall. They are Royal Cornwall Hospital, Bodmin Community Hospital, St Austell Community Hospital, West Cornwall Hospital and Probus Church Hall.

Many of the drop-in sessions tend to happen when carers are visiting their loved ones in hospital.

At a recent Carers' Corner at Bodmin Community Hospital, admiral nurse Sarah Arundell was there to offer support and advice to carers.

"There are a lot of people going into appointments or visiting who don't identify themselves as being a carer.

"We give them information about services that may be able to support them in their caring role.

"Admiral nurses are specific to looking after carers who are caring for people living with dementia.

"If we identify that the carer is struggling, we can refer the carer to the admiral nurse services.

"It has been really successful. Carers have been coming in during visiting times. We have had a lot of conversations and have helped a number of people."

Vivienne has been caring for her husband since he suffered a stroke. While visiting him in Bodmin Community Hospital, she dropped in to Carers' Corner.

"It was really helpful. When something like this happens to you it's quite scary. It's nice to have information and people behind you. You don't know who to ask so this really helps."

Susan is in her 80s and has been caring for her husband since he had a fall. She also found the advice and support from Carers' Corner helpful.

"It is a demanding job. I have to get him out of bed, wash him in the morning and get him dressed. It's hard work. I will be here (at the hospital) until 8pm tonight so it's nice to communicate with someone else. I know that I can call a number when Harold comes home and they will come and see what he needs, which is a very good thing."

Caroline Ellis is an admiral nurse service lead.

"Carers' Corner is for any carer. We are there for any carer who is wondering how to navigate themselves around the health and social care system.

"What is so great about the Carers' Corner is that they are informal. They're not formally structured. They are for anybody who just wants to come and chat about their caring role.

"It's more like a pop-up carers corner across different venues.

"You do not need to make an appointment and can just turn up to talk to a professional about caring for someone and, or to find out what services are available to help them.

"I think it's really great because it's helping carers talk about their caring role and an opportunity for carers to reflect and consider whether they are a carer which is very important as there is support out there for them.

"We have provided nearly 900 different interventions and guidance to carers, including appropriate signposting to carers with meaningful conversations. That's something I want to increase so carers in Cornwall are feeling less isolated in their caring role."

Carers' Corner sessions take place at:

• Royal Cornwall Hospital, Trelawney Wing reception, 1pm to 3pm every Tuesday
• Bodmin Community Hospital, community assessment and treatment unit, 1pm to 3pm on the last Thursday of the month
• St Austell Community Hospital, reception area, 1pm to 3pm on the last Friday of the month
• West Cornwall Hospital, reception area, 1pm to 3pm on the first Wednesday of the month
• Probus Church Hall, 10am to midday on every second Monday of the month