Galway Hospice has launched Carers Connect, a new fortnightly peer support group in Galway designed to support carers of people living with a life-limiting illness.
The new service will run every second and fourth Friday of the month, starting on Friday 13 February, from 11.00am to 12.30pm at Galway Hospice. The group is open to carers supporting a loved one who is receiving specialist palliative care either in the community or in the Galway Hospice inpatient unit.
Carers Connect offers a welcoming, informal space where carers can step out of their caring role for a short time, connect with others who understand their experience, and feel supported and valued.
“Carers often put their own needs last and can feel invisible,” said Mags Fitzgerald, Senior Medical Social Worker at Galway Hospice. “Carers Connect aims to provide a space where carers can take time out, feel heard, and connect with others over a cup of tea — people who truly understand the challenges and pivotal role they play.”
Each 90-minute session will provide carers with the opportunity to share experiences, build connections, and explore the emotional impact of caring in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. Sessions will also include a short self-care or relaxation exercise to support carers’ mental and emotional wellbeing.
The programme aims to:
“Caring for someone with a life-limiting illness can be emotionally and physically exhausting,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “We know carers often experience isolation, burnout and significant personal sacrifice. Through peer support, we hope to strengthen carers’ ability to cope as they navigate the uncertainty and complexity of caring for a loved one.”
Carers Connect was first introduced at Mayo Hospice in November 2025, where it has been warmly received. The service supports carers of people living with a life-limiting illness who are receiving support from the Community Specialist Palliative Care Team (CPT) or attending Mayo Hospice Day Care or the Inpatient Unit.
From February 2026, the Mayo service will expand from one session per month to two sessions per month. Mayo groups run on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, from 11.00am to 12.30pm.
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