Hello,
At this festive time of year, feeling connected and supported matters more than ever, so we are heartened you are a part of our Carers First community. This is so important as we know 2 in 3 of us will become a carer at some point in our lifetime.
By making a donation this Christmas period, you can help make sure there is a wide support network available for all of us.
Our frontline staff and volunteers provide practical advice, reassurance and a listening ear. Services like telephone befriending can make a huge difference, helping people feel less isolated and more confident as they navigate everyday challenges.
2 in 3 of us will become a carer in our lifetime
Your support will enable us to work with people like Crystal who is 17 and cares for her mum. On daily basis the teenager helps manage their household and gives physical and emotional assistance.
Through Carers First, Crystal has been able to open up about her feelings and worries and has received a wellbeing payment to support her mental health. You can read more on her story below.
As a charity, Carers First relies on the generosity of supporters like you to keep this vital work going during the toughest months of the year. A festive gift could have a real and lasting impact.
Donate today
Crystal's Story: Being a Young Adult Carer
At just 17, Crystal has already spent six years caring for her mum, who lives with a complex range of health conditions including Addison’s disease, type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, Crohn’s disease and more recently, the early stages of palliative care.
Crystal’s daily life is full of responsibility as a young adult carer. She provides personal care such as washing, dressing, catheter care, and PEG feeding. She manages medication, supports her mum in and out of her wheelchair, accompanies her on A&E visits, and provides emotional support as her mum’s speech becomes affected due to recent difficulties with facial numbness. Alongside this, Crystal runs the household – cooking, cleaning, shopping, managing benefits, and organising appointments.
Crystal first connected with Carers First when one of our team recognised her caring responsibilities during a school open evening. Following a review with Diane, one of our Carer Support Advisers, she was offered a wellbeing payment to support her mental health.
Through regular conversations, Crystal has been able to open up about her worries and feelings. Her mum has noticed the difference too:
“Crystal’s happy she got to offload. She was confused about my palliative care, but having someone to talk to has really helped her process what’s happening. I’m so grateful she has this opportunity to share her feelings with the team.”
Thank you for your support of Carers First
With your support, Carers First can continue to be there for carers like Crystal, helping people to cope with the challenges of caring and supporting them to gain more independence and confidence. Together, we can make sure that carers can access the support they deserve.
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.