Meet the Carer Panel
The Carers Panel is a way to help our trustees hear the voices of carers when they make decisions that affect the charity.
The Panel is made up of members with lived experience of caring from a wide variety of backgrounds – all acting in the best interests of the charity by challenging and pushing our thinking and assumptions.
The Panel is an advisory forum and a formal part of our governance structure.
Some of the members share here why they got involved. Click the button to find out more about what the Panel means to them.
Alison
I joined CiB as I was struggling to cope with managing my emotions and support for my daughter who is autistic and has a range of mental health issues as a result, supporting my mum as dad had Alzheimer’s, and a son with ADHD.
I feel that I am a valued part of a team working together to improve the support and opportunities available to carers across Bedfordshire.
I live in Bedford
Elaine
Together with my husband we have supported and cared for our adult daughter as she has battled a severe eating disorder for 25 years.
This has included supporting her through two nine month inpatient stays on eating disorder wards. We are delighted that she is currently well on the road to recovery due to excellent local NHS services.
We live in Leighton Buzzard.
Since joining the Carer Panel, I have regained my mojo! I am on fire with a desire to campaign for carers who are unable to do so for themselves.
Gordon
I am a carer in Central Bedfordshire for my two adults sons who have autism and ADHD and are in supported living. My caring role includes arranging their benefits and helping with bills and other payments, managing their finances and involvement in arranging their day care activities and home visits
Since joining the Panel, I have made more contacts and have an insight into how the local authorities operate.
I have personally gained greater knowledge around Carer rights. I also applied for a Carers Assessment after learning of this right: however it took nearly 18 months of chasing up to actually having an assessment. There are still many injustices against Carers who are trying to help and support their loved one.
Lee
My mother Ellen came to live with us in Bedford in the 1990s and passed away in 2007. My wife Jane died in 2023. They had both suffered from dementia with Alzheimer’s, and I was the main carer for both of them.
My own journey as a (former) carer gave me a store of understanding, knowledge and engagement which I didn’t want to waste. Membership of the Carer Panel has continued to give me the opportunity to make best use of that experience.
Liz
I have varied caring experience as many carers do
- supporting my mother-in-law from a distance (and staying with her when needed), particularly while my father-in-law was in hospital for an extended period and after his death
- My mother lived with me for several years and had multiple health issues, including deafness and limited mobility. As her needs increased, I supported her with personal care, administrative tasks and liaison with health and social care professionals.
- I also supported my father from a distance during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. I continued to support him as he moved into assisted living, residential care and, finally, nursing care. He died in January this year.
- I am now a former carer, although I continue to provide a little support to my two uncles.
Being on the Panel has given me a sense of belonging. I feel part of a team and that my contribution is valued alongside those of other carers.
Mark
I am full time carer for my adult son who has a learning disability and is on the Autistic spectrum, and also father to a daughter who is also on the spectrum, and has just completed her MA.
Since joining the Carer Panel, I have become more confident in my ability to challenge authority, lay out coherent arguments and offer creative solutions. In some regards It has taught me that I would be better placed directly in the face of government, and also reminded me and therefore frustrated me that my caring role entirely prevents that.
