Anglian Water partnered with Carers First in November 2021 to provide grants to give their customers who are caring a much needed break. 41 carers received a grant including Debbie.
Debbie, is a carer for her 40 year old son who has a neurological and severe heart condition and is currently on the transplant waiting list. He has many health issues and is often in pain and consequently had to give up his job as a chef over three years ago.
Spencer and his two sons have lived with Debbie ever since he was diagnosed. She carries out the housework, cleaning and shopping as well as her caring role. In addition, Debbie continues to work full time and is still paying off large credit bills which she built up in the early part of his illness before all his benefits were in place.
Debbie found at times, especially in the beginning, looking after all her family’s needs a ‘financially crippling experience’.
Debbie admits that it has been very tough on all of them and supporting her grandsons emotionally is an additional challenge, although this has made them incredibly close. At times she feels the responsibility can be quite overwhelming. Like so many carers Debbie doesn’t prioritise herself: “I had a life before, but the boy’s wellbeing is more important, you just have to get on with it”.
Debbie was first introduced in 2019 to Carers First by Adult Social Care after her son came out of a six month stay in a nursing home.
Carers First have supported her for the last three years to address many of their challenges. We helped Debbie access benefit entitlements, reduce household bills by connecting her to the National Energy Action charity, secure funding towards the cost of a heat pump tumble dryer, introduce Debbie to the Young Carers support service for her grandsons and provide links to charities and support groups for her son’s conditions and home emergency equipment.
Carers First continued support also included writing a reference for her grandson to secure his place in the local grammar school. We also surprised her with home-made cakes and garden seeds during the pandemic which made her feel valued. Of the support she received she said ‘They have been amazing!’. When Debbie retires, she would like to volunteer with Carers First and give something back.
Debbie has just been with her grandson on her first trip out in months to the theatre in Hull and stayed overnight in a hotel. This was made possible by a £200 Anglian Water Memories for Me grant. Debbie said being given this money meant the world to her and “to say we are excited is an understatement”.
After the break Debbie said: “I just wanted to say how much we appreciate the donation from Anglian Water. It’s a weekend I will never forget.”
Debbie was also pleasantly surprised to hear about Anglian Water’s Priority Services Register and is now keen to find out how it can help practically support her with her caring role.
If you care for someone in Lincolnshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough or Milton Keynes, Anglian Water can offer you practical support.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.