Carers' Stories

Leane's story

“It has taken me a long time to accept my life is going to be a lot different than I planned it.”

Leane cares for her daughter, Isla who is autistic

Hilary's story

Caring for someone with a physical disability

“Carers need help as well as the cared-for. It was the first time I’ve ever felt someone wanted to help my daughter and me. Without Helen’s guidance, I don’t know where I’d be. She helped me through some dark and impossible hours.”

Marian's story

In April 2020, Marian and her husband made a decision which changed their daily lives when they brought her 92-year-old mum, who has Alzheimer's, to live with them.

Leah's story

Leah, 16, cares for her older brother and has become our youngest volunteer. 

"I've had so much support and I want to help younger carers"

Christine's Story

Christine Roberts cares for her son, Ashley, 29, who suffers daily seizures. 

“I felt quite alone. I didn’t have that support network around me. 

“Carers First helped me to settle into my temporary accommodation and directed me to white goods which I was so grateful for. Then I moved into my own two-bedroom place, I love it, and they continue to help me.” 

Denise's story

“It has been a grieving process. The son I knew was lost in his mental illness and I couldn’t reach him. I kept hoping one day to wake up like it never happened. I wanted my old Jamal back.”

Denise, 56, cares for her son Jamal with mental health challenges  

Debbie's story

“I found myself feeling resentful of my situation, like my life had stopped and wishing my mum would just die.”

Dan's story

“I was driving one day when the thought came into my mind that if I just drove into a wall, it would be all over. My caring role had taken over my life and I needed a way out. Fortunately, I reached out for help and Carers First gave me my life back.”

Crystal and Charlene's story (daughter and mum)

"When I wasn’t with Young Carers, I felt alone with no support." (Crystal)

"Our life is so more manageable knowing we have full support day in day out." (Charlene)

Carla's story

“As a mum, I felt that I could do it, that I was fine, but I wasn’t fully aware of how caring was impacting my wellbeing."

Laura's Story

“The pandemic has been so frightening, and I’ve often felt trapped.”

Rebecca's Story

“As his carer, I don’t have a life. But it was my choice to take care of him, he’s my son.”

Charlotte's story

Homeschooling my son during lockdown and becoming a carer overnight

Lorena's Story

Harry, who turns 20 in July, has complex health needs. These include learning disabilities, autism and physical conditions, such as a chronic lung disease for which he requires oxygen. This means isolating is essential to protect him from the virus.

Shelley's Story

Shelley talks about how caring impacts her life on BBC Radio Kent: Click here to listen...

Suzanne's Story

Kristian’s dad left when he was a baby, unable to cope with his disability. He has seen him only a few times since...

Vanessa's Story

Marcus was educated at day schools for special needs when young but went part residential at 16 for 3 years. Followi...

Emma's Story

I care for my mother who suffers from mental health issues, which means I also have to look after my younger sister....