Support Groups
We run a number of monthly support groups across the county. These are a great opportunity to meet other people in the same situation, to share experiences and receive support from our Carer Support Workers. Groups are informal and everyone is welcome – as one carer told us:
“the friendship, the atmosphere & the interaction between us all is great. The realisation other people have the same difficulties is important. It helps to share problems.”
The groups are listed below, along with the contact details of the member of staff that facilitates each group. If you would like to attend any of the support groups listed, please ensure that you contact the facilitator first. Some groups operate a waiting list. Facilitators also like to chat to all new members before they attend support groups so that they can explain how the group runs and so that they can help them to feel welcome on their visit visit.
Dunbar Support Group
When: Second Wednesday of each month at 10:30am to 12:00pm
Where: The Stables, Belhaven Church, Dunbar
Group Facilitator: Margaret Elliot. Email address: Margaret@coel.org.uk
Musselburgh Support Group
When: Last Wednesday of each month at 10:30am to 12:00pm
Where: Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre, Haddington Road, Musselburgh
Group Facilitator: Susan Queripel. Email address: Susanq@coel.org.uk
SPACE – Parent Carer Support Group
Following a recent consultation with parent carers, we are in the process of reshaping the group support that we offer to parent carers. The final session of the group in its current form will be on 22nd April 2025.
North Berwick Support Group
When: Second Tuesday of each month at 10:30am to 12:00pm
Where: The Nether Abbey Hotel, North Berwick
Group Facilitator: Aileen Gillies. Email address: aileen.gillies@coel.org.uk
Carers of People with Mental Health Issues
When: Last Tuesday of each month at 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Where: Port Seton Community Centre, Port Seton
Group Facilitator: Claire Thomas. Email address: claire@coel.org.uk
Online Support Group
When: First Tuesday of each month at 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Where: Online
Group Facilitator: Louise Kennedy. Email address: louise@coel.org.uk
Men Who Care
(for male carers with a focus on outings and activities)
When: Second Thursday of the month
Where: please contact Raj on 07483390080 or email raj.singh@coel.org.uk.
Other Regular Group Activities
Care to Sing
Choir for carers.
When: Every Wednesday at 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Where: East Lothian Community Hospital, Haddington
Group Facilitator: Jenny Swan. Please email centre:coel.org.uk to enquire about the singing group.
Care to Create
Crafting session for carers.
When: Third Friday of each month at 10:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Haddington Day Centre, Haddington
Group Facilitator: Gemma Twells-Davison. Email address: gemma@coel.org.uk
Caring Spaces Art Group
Art sessions for carers of adults.
When: Fourth Wednesday of each month 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: The Ridge, Dunbar
Group Facilitator: Gemma Twells-Davison. Email address: gemma@coel.org.uk
As well as the above, we run many other activities for carers. To be kept up to date please sign up to our newsletter.
You can also download the above information as a printable PDF or see event listings on our calendar.