Several charities have joined forces to open a new cafe in St Neots - believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, Parkinson’s UK, the MS Society, Headway, Cambridgeshire and The Marbrook Centre opened the doors of the Carers Cafe? Neuro at Phoenix Park in Eaton Socon on Tuesday morning.

The facility, officially opened by the mayor of St Neots, Councillor Derek Giles and attended by 40 people including carers and professionals, is aimed at those who care for adults with neurological conditions and the people they care for.

Carers Cafe? Neuro will support people with conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis , Motor Neurone Disease and acquired brain injury.

Melanie Gray, deputy chief executive of Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, said: “This brings together for the first time a range of skills and expertise with our partners to plug a gap and provide support and information for carers and the person they care for with a neurological condition. It is also an opportunity for carers to have a break as there is space for them to meet separately for a coffee and chat together. We will also invite speakers and hold well-being activities, such as holistic therapies.”

Staff and volunteers from the partnership organisations will be on-hand to advise on the wide range of support available for carers, including Carers Assessments, What If? Plans, GP prescriptions and the rights and benefits they may be entitled to.

Julie Wilson, area development manager for Parkinson’s UK in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, said: “It is a great opportunity for organisations to pull together and share ideas and resources to offer family carers the opportunity for mutual support.”

The group meets on the last Tuesday of every month. Booking is essential, contact Carers Trust Cambridgeshire on 01480 499090. For further information see www.carerstrustcambridgeshire.org.