Hi - I just wanted to say that I'm glad we could give you a venue to get that off your chest!
I've heard very mixed reports of different carers' groups. Some groups seem to be exactly as you describe. They might give people an opportunity to say things that they can't express elsewhere, but it can also lead to rumination - you never think/talk of anything else. And I've certainly met the one-upper - although I can't think of any area in life where there isn't someone who would want to one-up. I think that we've all seen people pouring scorn on the size of someone else's surgery scars and hoiking up their clothing to put their own on display...
I've heard about other groups that are widely praised because they offer lots of help to navigate the benefits and allowances system, and can give people advice on their social care package; but they also organise regular events for people to attend (like Happystance workshops or screenings at the local cinema).
tonyplant
April 30, 2006 - 07:44Hi - I just wanted to say that I'm glad we could give you a venue to get that off your chest!
I've heard very mixed reports of different carers' groups. Some groups seem to be exactly as you describe. They might give people an opportunity to say things that they can't express elsewhere, but it can also lead to rumination - you never think/talk of anything else. And I've certainly met the one-upper - although I can't think of any area in life where there isn't someone who would want to one-up. I think that we've all seen people pouring scorn on the size of someone else's surgery scars and hoiking up their clothing to put their own on display... I've heard about other groups that are widely praised because they offer lots of help to navigate the benefits and allowances system, and can give people advice on their social care package; but they also organise regular events for people to attend (like Happystance workshops or screenings at the local cinema).
Best - Tony
Happystance
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