The Carers Cafés launch in partnership with Carers Bucks, highlighting a shared commitment to supporting people who care for loved ones and to creating welcoming community spaces where carers feel recognised, understood, and supported.

The Carers Cafés have been created to support people caring for an older loved one, whether at home or living in one of OSJCT’s care homes. The Carers Café is free to attend and carers are warmly invited to bring their loved ones along, who will be supported to take part in meaningful activities, while carers have the opportunity to relax over a cup of tea, share experiences, and connect with other carers. 

Each monthly café will offer a varied programme of activities. Over time, sessions will also include informative and practical topics such as dementia care, falls prevention, Admiral Nurse drop-ins, and wellbeing, providing carers with trusted guidance alongside peer support. The cafés also offer ongoing support for families with loved ones living in the homes, helping them to remain closely connected to the life of the community.

The first Carers Café will take place on Thursday 26 February at Mulberry Court in Chalfont St Peter, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Following the launch, Mulberry Court will host a Carers Café on the last Thursday of every month.

A second launch will take place on Friday 27 February at Fremantle Court in Stoke Mandeville, from 11:00am to 12:30pm, with Fremantle Court hosting its Carers Café on the last Friday of every month.

Carers Cafés are planned to open across all OSJCT care homes in Buckinghamshire in the coming months, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to partnership working and to building consistent, accessible support for carers across the county.

Caroline Dunagan, Divisional Director of Operations at The Orders of St John Care Trust, said:

“At The Orders of St John Care Trust, we believe caring for older people means caring for the families and friends who support them too. By partnering with Carers Bucks, we are strengthening the support available to carers and creating welcoming spaces where people feel understood and supported. This partnership is about listening to carers, understanding what really matters to them, and working together to provide practical, compassionate support. Our Carers Café brings that shared commitment to life.”

Karen Ion, Chief Executive Officer at Carers Bucks, said:

“For unpaid carers, feeling connected, recognised, and understood really matters. This partnership with The Orders of St John Care Trust reflects a shared commitment to creating welcoming community spaces where carers can connect, feel supported, and know they are not alone. Together, we are strengthening the networks around carers across Buckinghamshire.”

Ash Khan, Adult Carer Support Team Leader at Carers Bucks, said:

“I’m really looking forward to working together and supporting carers, as caring for others is an expression of being fully human.”

For more information or to confirm you attendance, please contact Mulberry Court 01753 886613 or Fremantle Court 01296 615 278.

For press enquiries please email: f.truter@osjct.co.uk