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A parent carer cares for a child under 18 with any additional need. This may also be a grandparent or guardian. Here some parents talk about their experiences and the challenges they face
My 10-year-old son, Ralph, has ADHD and OCD. He moved in with me in 2019 and I have been a full time carer ever since.
"I love being his dad, it's the best job I've every had. But there's a paradox because I wouldn't choose to do it"
Parent carer Heather talks about her struggles getting her GP to understand her caring role with her now adult son.
"I can't remember anyone asking us - I see you are a carer, how are things?"
My son has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, ASD, ADHD, a heart condition, diabetes, asthma and anxiety
"He keeps me going, he's our whole world. If we didn't do what we do, his anxieties and frustrations would be far worse than they are. I rarely put my own wellbeing into consideration, it's all about him"
"Working fulltime is challenging. I often go into work sleep deprived, exhausted from the challenges at home. Medical issues, along with the wellbeing of my son and wife at the forefront of the mind. But I need to work, to pay the bills and put food on the table. Holiday allowance often used for medical appointments".
My teenage son has quite a few needs – dyspraxia and hypermobility, but the hardest for me is his developmental issues.
"We get really good support from the NHS. We have a constant cycle of appointments. They’re really understanding and will keep appointments short and sweet. They give me options when we’ve had to miss an appointment.
I am an accountant by profession. I gave up my career to care full-time for my son, Musa, 16. I am a writer in between caring and working and have published two novels
"Sometimes it may seem like you’re climbing a mountain and you have to fight for everything but don’t give up".
Parent carer and senior nurse Edward opens up about why he set up a group to help men to look after their mental health.
“During the pandemic, I started to really struggle with my own mental health, juggling demands as my workload went through the roof and caring for my daughter who is autistic and has pathological demand avoidance.
It is important for men to become proactive investing in their own mental health before things deteriorate. I’ve learnt the hard way"
By registering with us as a carer you will get access to a whole range of services, including advice, information, access to our groups, events and carers grants.
You can book a call with one of our support workers and talk to them about any of your concerns.
