We understand that, as well as losing a loved one, carers can sometimes also have difficulty coping with not ‘being a carer’ anymore.
The Carers Centre can provide support for up to a year after your caring role ends.
Here is some information that you may find useful:
University of Third Age
U3A is a learning cooperative of retired and semi-retired people that enables its members to share educational, creative and recreational activities in a relaxing and informal atmosphere, without exams or tests. No qualifications are required or awarded. It is a system of self-help and sharing of prior learning and experience. If you like to keep your mind active, and are looking for more zest in your life, why not join East Renfrewshire U3A.
For more information: 
u3a – Join Us
Mearns Kirk Helping Hands
Committed to improving health, wellbeing 
and reducing isolation within the community.
Mearns Kirk Helping Hands Home Page (mkhelpinghands.org.uk)
Volunteering:
Everyone can volunteer, no matter your age, gender, race, religion or ability.
Five good reasons to volunteer:
1. Meet new people
2. Learn something new
3. Do something you enjoy
4. Contribute to your community
5. Improve job prospects and employability
There are opportunities out there to suit your needs. You can give as little or as much time as you want, and can help in a variety of roles such as:
• Befriending
• Volunteering in sports
• Computers and administration
• Drivers
• Fundraising
• Uniformed organisations
• Events assistants
• Conservation and outdoor work
• Media – filmmaking, photography, graphic design
• …….and more
For more information:
www.va-er.org.uk or tel: 0141 876 9555
Talking Points
Don’t know who to turn to? Turn to Talking Points.
Get free, impartial, non-judgemental advice on anything related to health and wellbeing
Talking Points – East Renfrewshire Council
Information on local leisure, recreational and educational clubs within East Renfrewshire:
Community directory – East Renfrewshire Council
Bereavement support:
Marie Curie’s volunteers and spiritual care coordinators are here to offer you a safe, confidential space to discuss your feelings and emotions around bereavement.
Marie Curie Helper Client leaflet.pdf
Eastwood Bereavement Support Group:
Eastwood Bereavement Support Group – East Renfrewshire Council
Coping with grief:
Sue Ryder has online bereavement information, advice and resources to help you through grief. If you are grieving after a bereavement, supporting someone else or helping a young person or child coping with grief, you are not alone. Sue Ryder’s
expert support provides ways to deal with the practical and emotional issues after someone has died.
Coping with bereavement- Sue Ryder