"The carers group has got us through some of the most difficult times of our lives"

I have been a carer for my partner for the last 4+ years. He is under the care of Ashley House in Widnes. It is a Drug andd Alcohol Abuse Centre; but it not about the care he has recieved, it is about the care I as his carer has recieved.

I first attended The Carers Group about 4-5 years ago, and I can honestly say it has saved my life. It was firstly run by Arch Initiatives and has since had involvement from many people. They are all truly life savers.

We all meet once a week, Tuesday, and share our thoughts etc. We who attend support each other in a way that only carers of addicts know how. I could write for days about who and how this group has helped, but suffice to say it has got us through some of the most difficult times of our lives. Nothing is too much trouble for the group leader and the rest of the team despite them having really busy schedules. Recently, Arch Initiatives has been replaced by CRI and we have found the service to be even better and more organised with definite outcomes in place.

Not only do we meet regularly, but the group leader fights tooth and nail to access funding for meals out for care-worn carers.

I have written this in small appreciation for all that Ashley House, the people running the carers group and the carers themselves who work tirelessly (sometimes with little thanks) to help us get through the days ahead.