Self-care for carers: Monthly meeting in Mülheim!
In Mülheim an der Ruhr, caring relatives meet monthly for self-help - exchange, support and joint activities.

Self-care for carers: Monthly meeting in Mülheim!
A valuable meeting place for caring relatives has been established in Mülheim, which offers these often invisible heroes of everyday life a space for exchange and support. The group meets every first Friday of the month from 1 p.m. in the Evangelische Ladenkirche at Kaiserstrasse 4. Women and men of all ages are invited to discuss care topics and seek mutual support. Under the motto “Only those who take good care of themselves can take care of others,” the participants focus on self-care in a benevolent community. This reported Local compass.
This self-help group is not only a place for discussions, but also a place for joint activities. Regular program items, such as museum visits, creative workshops and yoga sessions, ensure that recharging your batteries and networking within the group are not neglected. Psychological support is also important because caring relatives are often overwhelmed and struggle against loneliness, which makes it difficult for them to access help and support, as the care guide from ProMedica24 describes.
Support with care
There are an estimated 100,000 self-help groups active in Germany, around 1,500 of which are specifically for caring relatives. These groups provide a space for sharing experiences and challenges associated with caring for relatives. Caregivers often feel isolated and have the feeling that no one can truly understand their situation. This is where self-help groups come in and help to provide emotional support and gain new perspectives. The concept of self-help has proven successful because many of those affected can strengthen each other and learn from each other.
The challenges for family carers are varied. Often years of care are required and the balance between work and care proves to be difficult. Women in particular, who are often in the role of caring relatives, come under pressure. However, there is an encouraging trend that more and more husbands and sons are becoming actively involved in care. However, many people avoid the offer of self-help, be it for fear of showing weakness or for time constraints. No matter what, group exchanges can do a lot to relieve stress and promote health, as the Pflegewelt article emphasizes: Nursing world.
Diversity of self-help groups
There are specialized self-help groups for different illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or cancer. But specific age groups and regional meetings also offer support. In addition, online platforms can now be used for networking and information. What is important is the opportunity to expect help to help yourself and to find a place where you can share your worries and small successes.
The self-help groups are not therapy, but can be valuable support. In addition, they promote community and provide low- to no-cost options for emotional and practical support. The Federal Ministry of Health has been supporting these initiatives from the start and will make an impressive 90.62 million euros available for funding in 2023. The exchange in groups can not only reduce individual stress, but also strengthen social bonds.
If you are interested in taking part in the group in Mülheim or need more information, you can contact the Evangelische Ladenkirche directly on 0208 3056731 or the self-help office on 0208 300 48 14.