Caregivers Speak Up Holds Its First-Ever Meetup in New York City

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Caregivers Speak Up, a social platform started by The Bloc to honor and celebrate caregivers, held its first-ever Meetup recently at The Bloc's downtown New York City office.

The event was created to give caregivers, who are very active and vocal on the Caregivers Speak Up website (www.caregiversspeakup.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/caregiversspeakup), an opportunity to share their stories, fears, and frustrations with the people who understand their situation better than anyone—fellow caregivers.

It was a small yet poignant event that began with a film of a caregiver in Connecticut whose husband has suffered from vertigo and Parkinson's disease for over a decade. This was followed by a discussion in which about a dozen caregivers discussed their unique challenges and shared suggestions and support for coping.

"It was truly an honor to host our first Caregivers Speak Up Meetup last week.
It celebrated caregivers in a very intimate way during National Caregivers Month," said Elizabeth Elfenbein, Creative Partner at The Bloc. "Our goal was to give caregivers a voice in a safe environment."

"Caregivers are critical stakeholders supporting patients and informing healthcare decision making. By better understanding the unique needs of caregivers, we can develop communications that are relevant and meaningful," said Jennifer Matthews, Managing Partner of The Bloc.

Caregivers Speak Up plans to host Meetups on a regular basis. "Giving even a handful of caregivers the opportunity to know they are being heard and supported is beyond meaningful. It is our way of giving back to a group of people who give of themselves every day," added Elfenbein.

About The Bloc: The Bloc is a leading healthwellness creative engagement agency based in New York. Founded in 2000 by Susan Miller Viray and Rico Viray, The Bloc is also a founding member of Indigenus, the largest independent global network of entrepreneurial healthcare communication companies.

SOURCE The Bloc