UK charity Cauda Equina Champions has announced the launch of its unique new service to support family members, carers and friends of people affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES).
Family members and carers are impacted in a tremendous way after a loved one or friend develops disabilities and mental health problems, following a CES diagnosis.
Cauda Equina Champions has set about finding a way to help, launching its new Group Support Sessions for Family and Carers.
The first session hosted by clinical psychologists Joanne McVey and Lesley Glover highlighted important issues for this group of people and shed light on their hidden lives.
Carers revealed that they found the demands enormously difficult and made much harder by the lack of support and information from statutory services, leading to frustration, isolation and feeling torn between looking after themselves and their loved one, often while carrying on working full time.
Claire Thornber, Founder of Cauda Equina Champions Charity, commented: “Most poignant for me, as a former CES patient myself, was hearing that our loved ones and carers lives are turned completely upside down.
“These are the people who are looking after those devastated by CES and they are as equally devastated themselves, albeit in a different way.
“As a charity it is our mission to nurture and support these people doing an amazing job of holding things together, despite the huge obstacles they face. They are so very important to each, and every one of us.
“Looking to the future, we were delighted with the success of our first session and look forward to hosting many more.
“We are extremely grateful to our amazing mental health team. They help us deliver vital support to those affected by CES, through funded clinical psychology, psychosexual therapy and CBT sessions.”
