Did you know there are thousands of unpaid carers across Wiltshire looking after loved ones every single day?In the very first episode of The Community Sofa, we're joined by Helen Dowse, Carers Champion, for an insightful conversation about the challenges unpaid carers face, the support available, and why it's so important that carers look after themselves too.Whether you're caring for a partner, parent, family member, friend or neighbour, this episode is packed with practical advice, information and organisations that can help.In this episode we discuss:💙 What an unpaid carer is💙 The role of a Carers Champion💙 The emotional and practical challenges of caring💙 Local support available across Wiltshire💙 Financial support and benefits💙 Planning for the future💙 Where to turn when you need helpWe hope this conversation helps more carers realise they're not alone and encourages them to access the fantastic support available within our community.Helpful organisations and resources mentioned in this episode💙 Carers Together Wiltshire 💙 Carer's Allowance (GOV.UK) 💙 Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK) 💙 Wiltshire Parent Carer Council 💙 Stroke Association Support 💙 MS Society 💙 BSW Community Services 💙 Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) 💙 Wiltshire Council Adult Social Care 💙 Care Choices Wiltshire Directory 💙 Parkinson's UK Information & Support 💙 Carer Friendly Wiltshire 💙 Alzheimer's Society 💙 NHS Continuing Healthcare Information 💙 Lasting Power of Attorney (GOV.UK) 🎙️ The Community Sofa is hosted by Courtney Hillman and Debs Sheldon from Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, bringing together local charities, healthcare professionals, community organisations and experts to help families discover the support available across Salisbury, Andover and the surrounding areas.If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who may benefit. Together, we can help more people discover the incredible support available within our community.

Welcome to The Community Sofa!

In this special introduction, hosts Courtney Hillman and Debs Sheldon explain why they created The Community Sofa and what you can expect from the conversations ahead.

At Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, we're passionate about more than providing exceptional home care. Every day, we meet incredible charities, healthcare professionals, community groups and local organisations doing amazing work, yet many people simply don't know the support available to them.

The Community Sofa was created to change that.

Each episode brings you relaxed, honest conversations with the people making a real difference across Salisbury, Andover and the surrounding villages. Together, we'll explore health, wellbeing, ageing well, community services, unpaid carers, dementia support, independent living and much more.

Whether you're supporting a loved one, looking for advice, or simply want to discover the amazing people helping our community thrive, this podcast is for you.

💙 New episodes released regularly.

If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe and share to help us connect even more people with the support available right on their doorstep.

Because every great community starts with a conversation.