Mark recently received Time to Live funding and had this to say.
“I am a registered carer within the centre and I care full-time for my gran-in-law who has advanced Alzheimer’s. Diagnosed in 2016 and I have been her carer since. It can be tough and demanding but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I applied for the Time to Live Funding on the Inverclyde Carers Centre website for Apple AirPods to support me to get a break from caring on my daily walk and exercise.
They have also came in handy for night time to zone out into my own little world. I love how they are pocket sized and I now always have them with me. During lockdown it has been hard when you care 24/7 7 days a week and these provide me with joy from music as I am a big music fan and lifts my spirits. They also work alongside my iPhone and I know that if I am needed I can be contacted if I am out on my daily walk. They are wireless Bluetooth earbuds and they feature a built-in microphone that filters out background noise which allows phone calls so I am always reachable.
The purchase of this equipment has definitely provided me with access to ‘me time’ wither it be from exercise, relaxation, mediation and most of all the enjoyment of music. I feel music helps in a lot of ways and this has certainly helped me.Thank you”
Lauren is a registered carer within the centre for her husband who has a physical disability, alongside her brother in law who has a mental health condition and is alcohol dependent.
The dual caring role can be exhausting and is affecting her own wellbeing through increased stress and difficulty with sleeping. Lauren felt that she needed a break in which she could switch off for a bit and take time for herself. Having seen the information on social media regarding the Time to Live Funding, Lauren had applied through the centre website for noise cancelling earphones to support her to get a break from caring.
The earphones allow Lauren to tap into relaxation apps on her mobile phone at home, wind down by listening to music which blocks out the noise around her, allowing her some time to herself at home or outdoors.
“Being able to use these earphones outdoors has provided an incentive to get out walking again whilst taking a break from caring which is hard when you live in the same house as the person you care for. As the earphones work alongside my mobile phone, I know that if I am needed I can be contacted but also have the benefit of taking them wherever I go and can use them time and time again. I have trouble sleeping and these particular earphones are also comfortable without getting tangled up which help towards a better night's sleep. I use them along with a sleep app which was recommended by my GP too. The purchase of this equipment has provided me with the opportunity to access some 'me time' for longer and in a number of ways whether it be sleep, relaxation or through the enjoyment of music which I personally prefer to an overnight stay.”
Hi I am Aileen, I attended Inverclyde Carers Centre last April. I help look after my mum who has various medical issues. During the meeting with Anne-Marie she mentioned the various help for carers. One of the forms of support was receiving Time to Live funding which enables the carer to apply for to pursue a hobby or interest.
I applied for the Time to Live funding to enable me to purchase a new camera, I am keen amateur photographer and would love to take my photography skills further. I was delighted to get the funding to enable me to purchase a new camera, some accessories for the camera and a small course to improve my photography skills. I used the camera over the summer while on holiday in Niagara Falls Canada 2019 visiting friends, and in Scotland when I had visitors over from Spain in September 2019. I have made photobooks to document the photos I have taken, I also make family and friends calendars with my pictures on them. I made my own Christmas cards this year using photos I have taken through the years. I have also made some canvases of my photos and turned some into 5d diamond art photos.
However during the later part of 2019 I took unwell myself and ended up in January 2020 spending approximately 3 weeks in hospital with a Heart Condition. When I got out of hospital I was to do some light exercise. In March covid struck and due to my heart condition I was on the at risk group and not able to leave the house or garden for a bit. I signed up for some small online photography courses to keep my mind active and to enable me to take my photography to a higher level. When the shielding was lifted I decided to make use of my camera again and take local photos of the area. I take my camera and go walking around local areas and not only was it helping me with my heart condition and exercise which my nurse wanted me to do, it gave me that added encouragement to get out do my exercise but take photos and document 2020 using my camera. It also when I go out during the pandemic has got my mum coming out on occasions with me.
The photos I have on the website are photos I have taken with the camera that the Time to Live funding provided. I will continue using my camera to not only improve and enhance my passion for photography and also my new found passion of getting out walking to help my heart condition. I will also be using some of the photos I have taken during the year and lock down to make my family and friends calendars for 2021 and Christmas cards again. I am always looking to enhance my knowledge of photography and to occupy my mind by doing some further online courses in photography. My dream is to become a professional photographer.
The Benefits of Cycology
Elizabeth was delighted when the exercise bike she had applied for through Inverclyde Carers Centre’s Coronavirus Emergency Breaks Fund arrived, courtesy of Amazon.
For twenty five years, Elizabeth has provided support to her daughter who lives with her. Initially she was able to share this support with her husband, but since his death she is the sole Carer.
Elizabeth’s daughter was diagnosed with a serious mental health condition while still at school and has struggled with depression and anxiety since her early teens until the present day. Due to the severity of this illness, she relies on her mother to provide the emotional and practical care she requires. This includes monitoring her moods; managing her medication; arranging and accompanying to appointments; dealing with her correspondence and encouraging her to try to integrate more with others.
“While, my aim is to encourage independence in my daughter, I find that her lack of confidence prevents her from dealing with many of the daily tasks which others carry out with ease. Although sad that she needs my support, I am obviously happy to provide it,” is how Elizabeth describes the role she plays in her daughter’s life.
Carers at the Centre often talk about how important physical exercise is to help them cope with stress but admit that their caring role can make it difficult to engage in regular activities. Elizabeth was delighted therefore to be able to access the Emergency Breaks Fund to enable her to buy something which she can use in the comfort of her home.
“My new exercise is great,” she tells me. It is a folding one so takes up very little space. I can use it anytime but usually enjoy peddling away while watching television. I’m hoping that it will both help get me fit and help me cope with the restrictions imposed by this pandemic which has so changed our lives. I am really grateful that a fund has been available to support Carers at this time and that I personally was able to benefit from it.
“To be honest, I get as much out of my befriending role as do, hopefully, the people I befriend. It feels good to help someone feel less isolated and gives a structure to my week which I missed when I retired. I really enjoy my conversations with them and we learn so much from each other. Sometimes, when you think about what advice you would like to offer, you realise that it’s the advice you should be giving yourself.
When you have been given support by others, you feel it’s only fair that you, if in a position to do so, try to help others. I think that this is especially important, nowadays, as there are so many people needing support that official bodies are not in a position to meet the needs of all. Families are also much more widespread than they used to be, so even those with lots of family, can still feel lonely. Knowing that there’s a weekly catch up with a familiar face, a nice cup of tea and a cake can make such a difference. Even a weekly phone call with a familiar voice is a good excuse for a sit down at home and a wee biscuit.
A quotation from a favourite play of mine is, “I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.” Who hasn’t at some time received help, advice or kind words from some unknown person? What I love about befriending is that very soon that stranger can become a friend.
At the moment I regularly call a woman who is isolating. She won’t mind that I tell you she is not exactly young – well, I hope she doesn’t! I really enjoy our chats. Apart from that though, she is proving to be a real inspiration to me. She is so positive about life and still enjoys so many hobbies. Sometimes when I call her I, as a Carer, have had a very difficult time. I obviously don’t share my worries with her but when our conversation ends, I feel a lot better. What do they say? “Fake it till you make it”? It works for me. I’m really looking forward to meeting her in person at the Carers’ Centre. I’ll be giving her and everyone else a great big hug.
Donna, the Befrienders’ Co-ordinator always takes the time to pair people with similar interests or in similar situations. This makes it easier when meeting someone for the first time. It seems at first, like a strange coincidence, that you and this person you have met for the first time, seems to have so much in common. Then you remember the hand of Donna. When I met with one woman I befriended for the first time we were discussing films enthusiastically before Donna even arrived. At our first lunch together, we were pleased to find that we shared so many interests.”
Tracey is a single parent of 2 children aged 10 & 14. One of her children as ADHD and the other has Aspergers. Tracey herself suffers from severe COPD and Asthma.
Tracey has been registered with the Inverclyde Carers Centre for some years and seen a post on our Facebook page, regarding potential funding of up to £150 for items or services, which enable those looking after the most vulnerable people in Inverclyde to have a break from their caring role.
Tracey completed the online application form for the funding, and had applied for a new mobile phone. Tracey had stated that a new mobile phone would greatly help her, as her current one was broken. This would allow her to keep on top of any hospital appointments for her children, as she had missed some already due to the broken mobile phone, causing her a great deal of stress and anxiety.
A new mobile would enable her to sit and de-stress from her Caring role in the evenings by watching some movies/TV shows on the mobile phone.
Tracey was successful in her application and received a new mobile phone not long afterwards.
In the weeks after receiving the mobile phone, Tracey has come back to tell us that the mobile phone has proved invaluable. She is now less stressed as she can keep up to date with her daughter’s hospital appointments . Tracey has been using the mobile phone after her children have went to sleep, and watches movies/TV shows to relax from her demanding caring role.
An additional benefit she has found having the mobile phone is that it allows her to do online shopping. This takes the stress away of her of having to go shopping with her children and wait in long queues, increasing the chances of catching Coronavirus. Tracey has also been using the phone to contact family members and friends via video calling. This is preventing Tracey from worrying about catching Coronavirus from friends and family, which is helping her feel less isolated. Feeling isolated can be very difficult during lockdown, especially as a single parent that is shielding. Carer has quoted “I can video call my family and friends leaving me feeling better and not isolated as I am a single parent so taking to them on video has lifted my mood on many occasions”.
Gordon cares for his Wife who has progressive Multiple Sclerosis and requires help with personal care several times a day, meaning that he has to be in close proximity to her.
His Wife has previously received support from external Carers, several times a day for many years but has recently reduced the number of times that Carers are visiting due to the risk of Coronavirus. If his Wife was to get symptoms then this could make her extremely unwell due to how her MS affects her respiratory system.
Gordon was also worried about passing any infection on to his Wife because of having to go out to a local shop to buy essential shopping so requested a referral for PPE to be made by Inverclyde Carers Centre to the PPE Hub managed by HSCP.
Gordon feels that the joint work between the services has been ‘fantastic’ and has found the process of the initial referral process through to receiving the PPE very quick and straight forward and received the PPE within 24 hours. Having this equipment has meant that his stress levels have been lowered as the risk of infecting his Wife has been reduced.
Cathy cares for her Husband who has a respiratory condition and has been registered with the Inverclyde Carers Centre since March 2014.
Since then, Cathy has been heavily involved with the Centre, coming along to the Purly Queens knitting group as well as taking part in many of the social events that have been organised over the years.
Cathy’s Husband has recently been discharged from hospital following him being extremely ill with COVID-19. Cathy cannot praise the hospital enough for the care that her Husband received. Cathy also experienced symptoms of COVID-19 herself. Due to the nature of her Husband’s condition, she has provided personal care for many years. She became very worried about providing personal care during the current situation and spoke to Alison, Carer Support Worker at Inverclyde Carers Centre, who asked some questions about the nature of Cathy’s caring role and the personal care she provides. This information was referred to the PPE Hub, where Cathy subsequently received the PPE.
Cathy found the process of requesting the PPE to be very smooth with the time from requesting the PPE to receiving it being very quick. As a result of getting the PPE, Cathy feels more relaxed about doing the personal care due to the reduction in the risk of the spread of the virus as she is protecting her Husband from picking up the virus again.
My daughter and I were lucky enough to have a short break recently, paid for by the carers centre.
My daughter is 16 and has ASD and mental health issues. Shes not in education and I’m her carer and I’m a single parent. Her needs are such that I am unable to work. She has a lot of sensory issues and it can be hard for her to leave the house because of her anxiety so it was a big question as to whether she would manage the break. She was able to and she told me it was the best holiday of her life and that crossing the water, to Hunters Quay in Dunoon, made her feel she was leaving her worries behind.
The cabin was dog friendly so she could bring her little dog who is her constant companion and a great reassurance to her when shes feeling anxious. We were able to stretch the money to cover a cabin with a hot tub because we were only away 2 nights and she just loved that experience.
I have been registered at the Carers Centre for less than a year and their help and support has been invaluable.
I recently found out through the service that I could apply for a family break through their Family Short Break Project. I filled out an application form and waited on a response.
When Stuart called me to say we had been accepted, I was very overwhelmed, I even cried when I came off the phone. I called my husband who was also delighted that we where getting the chance to go away together on holiday. He works full time and is the main breadwinner of the family. With a 9 year old and 14 year old at home, it isn’t easy so, like most families, putting food on the table, clothes on our back and paying the bills are our priorities.
My daughter has additional needs and I am her main carer. Although she is at school and I work part time, there are 4 of us at home – myself, my daughter and my husband and son. We don’t often get ‘family time’ together and this break gave us the opportunity for some quality and well needed time away from home and my daughters strict routine. Our home life can be stressful and full on. This holiday helped us connect with each other and have a more relaxed time together. I myself have a mental illness and this time away would give me time to have some self care and support.
We had a 4 night break at a caravan park and I saved up some Tesco vouchers for some days out. In keeping with my daughters needs, everything was planned before we went and a schedule put in place. We chose somewhere that there was loads to do as my daughter has unending energy….albeit exhausting for the family.
We took some food from home, the children got some pocket money and we had 3 full days out.
It is such an expense for families to take a holiday and with our family struggling to make ends meet most months, this was an invaluable experience for us.
We are truly appreciative and grateful that we had the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and able to have lots of new experiences together. As my daughters main carer, it helped me recharge my own batteries and have some quality time with my son too. It helped us to connect more as a family and we laughed and laughed and laughed…..something we have not done in such a long time.
“I live in Greenock with my partner and 3 young children and i’m currently juggling family life whilst studying at Strathclyde University. My youngest child Noah (6) is autistic and requires care and attention especially regarding social situations and interactions.
I received an email inviting Carers to a discussion group regarding a potential family day out. I was happy to attend and the choice of times (day and evening) allowed me to attend. The group was informal and welcoming. The staff were very knowledgeable and informative about the days out. It was a chance for me to say what kind of activity would suit our family’s needs, through chats and fun activities.
I signed up for the trip to the Safari Park with my 2 younger children, Wren (8) and Noah. On the day they were very excited, beforehand I received emails clearly stating the plan and times for the day. The bus was suited to our needs and the journey was relaxing but not too long as Noah would not have enjoyed many hours on a bus. On the way we chatted to other families and planned our day with the maps handed out by Carers Centre staff.
On arrival the friendly bus driver drove us round the animal enclosures allowing up close ups of lions and rhinos which was very exciting. We were then allowed the time to do our own thing, firstly we watched the sea lion show, which was Wrens favourite, then had plenty of time to look around. There were plenty of areas to eat and we sat and enjoyed our picnic.
The boat safari to chimp island was next and Noah was anxious of the boat but after a bit of reassuring he had a wonderful experience. The park felt very safe and was well laid out, the children’s play fort was a great place for Wren and Noah to play with other children while i enjoyed a coffee.
Lastly we enjoyed a wonderful ice cream cone before boarding the bus home. Out of character Noah slept all the way home proving he enjoyed a busy day and felt relaxed, allowing Wren and I to enjoy a nice drive home.
Overall this was a wonderful day which we would otherwise have been unable to afford, allowing us great family time together in a safe environment. For me the highlight was the break from driving on days out which can sometimes be stressful and expensive, this allowed me to be more relaxed throughout the whole day without the worry of the drive home. Noah enjoyed the gift shop and purchased a meerkat toy to remember the day as the money saved on entry fees allowed us to have some spending money. We have many wonderful memories which we can look back on through our photographs. ”
Caroline Gillan.
“My name is Maureen and I am a carer for my husband Martin, who has Parkinson’s disease. Recently, a member of the Carers centre team, visited the local Inverclyde Parkinson’s Support Group, and discussed various ways in which Carers could access help and support for themselves in their caring role.
After the meeting, I visited the Carers centre and spoke to Alison about the possibility of receiving funding which would enable me to pursue a hobby or an interest that would give me some respite from my caring role.
To my absolute delight, funding was granted towards an annual gym membership, and I joined Inverclyde Leisure Fitness Plus. Being able to use the gyms and swimming pools has already made a huge difference to my life. I am fitter, healthier and happier. I am meeting new people and making new friends, and of course, the longer I can stay fit and healthy, the longer I will be able to continue in my caring role.
Thank You Carers Centre!”
Maureen recently accessed our Family Short Break funding to allow her and her family to spend a few days at a lovely cottage in Aberdeenshire. This is what Maureen had to say about the break.
“I was referred to Carer’s Short Breaks by a lovely woman who had recently sat and listened to me break down in tears. Shortly after being referred I was contacted by a man named Stuart McInnes who informed me that I met the criteria for the offer of a short break, I was buzzing with excitement, I couldn’t believe it at first it seemed unreal!
I was told by Stuart to look for a short break and then send details with dates to him and don’t do anything else as this would be getting discussed first, so I done as he asked me to do. Stuart got in touch shortly after I gave dates and venue to him and confirmed that it was booked and paid for. I could not wait to tell my son as I knew I had found somewhere to suit his disabilities and needs. I was even more impressed by the fact that I didn’t have to do anything but get myself and son there, seemed surreal to me, as I’m so use to doing everything and never get anything for free.
We went for three night’s north Scotland in lovely cottage with hot tub and plenty of green space with children’s play facilities all enclosed it was lovely, we didn’t want it to end. Whilst there my son had loads of fun and I managed to relax and enjoy him more by being more involved in his games other than rushing around thinking about next routine thing I needed to do and I think my son enjoyed my company also.
This break really allowed me and my son to relax and forget about routines. The whole timing and processing of this short break meant the world to me everything was spot on and great timing. I actually felt humbled and valued as a person and a Carer, this is massive to me.
Big hugs to Alison the kind woman who listened to me sobbing my eyes out and to Stuart McInnes for background work that I didn’t have to do. Last but not least I want to thank the whole team involved at the carer’s centre for all their support and for allowing us to use this resource, you are all valuable in my eyes, (((Big Hugs))) to you all.”
Maureen xxxx.
Helping mum out with chores around the house, help washing and styling her hair, assisting with shopping, collecting medication, accompanying her to appointments and providing emotional support. This is what daughters are meant to help with, or so I thought, until everything got too stressful and I began to miss out on catch ups with friends and was late for almost everything. I was having trouble sleeping from the stress of trying to juggle helping mum and living my own life. I had been helping mum since I was 15, this took its toll on my mental health with me being diagnosed with depression and anxiety at 18.
It was through word of mouth from my friend who I knew was a Young Adult Carer herself that I heard about Inverclyde Carers Centre. She told me I was a Young Adult Carer and advised me to get in touch with the Centre to get support, but I didn’t. It wasn’t until I left college that I recognised myself as a Carer.
Eventually in September 2017 I registered with Inverclyde Carers Centre, by this time I was 24. A Carer Support Worker registered me at home as my anxiety made me nervous about going into the Centre myself. After I registered, I met the Youth Worker in the Centre and she accompanied me to Street League, where I met the other Young Adult Carers. I began attending the Young Adult Carers group on a Wednesday night and it has been one of the best things I have done. I really enjoy the company and support I receive, not only from the Youth Worker but also the other Young Adult Carers.
The activities we get to do as a group in the Centre on Wednesday nights are great. We have done things such as: movie nights, Halloween party, Christmas cheer event, game nights and general catch up with the other Young Adult Carers. We also do activities outside the Centre like trips to the cinema, the trampoline park, daytrips to Edinburgh and pantomimes etc. and on occasion we get to catch up with the Young Carers.
Through the Centre I accessed a 6-week block of relaxation therapies which has been very beneficial, helping with my anxiety, depression and general wellbeing.
With support from the Youth Worker I have managed to secure a job and my first flat, so now I have more independence away from my caring role. Having that one-to-one support from the Youth Worker has really helped when I am feeling overwhelmed with my caring role.
The support I have received from Inverclyde Carers Centre and the other Young Adult Carers has really helped my confidence. Now thinking back to when I was younger, I was a ‘Hidden Carer’ and I wish I had got registered sooner.
Updated: 22nd July, 2019
Norman and Kim care for their 8 year old daughter Layla who has cystic fibrosis.
They had been advised to register with their local Carers centre to find out about the range of supports in their area. Both Norman and Kim had completed a Carers Self Assessment following their registration at the centre which identified the need for a break. Both of them juggle working and caring for Layla and found that any spare time they have is focused around hospital appointments and their daughter’s care needs. Norman and Kim share a keen interest in walking and had highlighted that for health reasons they would love to get fit and take this up again in the summer.
Having completed a short break planner they had again reinforced the need for a break and had considered asking family to support them to look after Layla to enable them to get some time to themselves. The question was asked about barriers to achieving their goal, which was simply the weather, as they didn’t fancy walking in the rain. It was then that the idea was put to them about applying for wet weather gear to aid them on their quest. Having considered purchasing these items themselves, they found that they couldn’t fund such an expense. After discussing this with them at length, an application was then completed and submitted to the Time to Live fund which was successful. This fund was able to provide Norman and Kim with a grant to purchase walking boots and waterproof clothing, enabling them to go out walking regardless of the weather.
Updated: 20th October, 2020
Phillip had recently moved to Inverclyde from Swansea to care for his elderly mother on a fulltime basis.
Through time, Phillip had started to feel very isolated and felt that he wanted to discover aspects of his local community. Following a short discussion with a Carer Support Worker, Phillip was encouraged to complete a short breaks planner which would help him to identify the type of break he would like to pursue and highlight any barriers around this. Having completed the planner, Phillip had described having a keen interest in playing guitar again but felt restricted because of his fulltime caring role. Reconnecting with this hobby was very important to him, not only to learn this instrument, but to tie in with his longer term goal of joining the local acoustic club.
Through the support of the Time to Live fund, Phillip had applied for guitar lessons which would take place within his own home and funds to purchase a second hand guitar to get him started. Alongside the professional lessons, Phillip was able to set aside time to practice playing his guitar in between his caring role, giving him time to himself in the way he really wanted.
We recently asked a few of the Carers who attend our knitting group to share their thoughts on the group with us.
“I can’t remember who told me about the Carers Centre, but it was the best thing that I could have done. I have a great family who are always there for me but sometimes it is better to speak to someone in the same boat as yourself that can understand. We don’t sit and complain but we can talk about some things that happen at home and the ladies all understand as they have been there. I would advise anyone who is a Carer to join. We have some great times and it lets you forget your problems for a little while.”
“I would like to pass on the great experience I have had since I was put in touch with the Carers Centre. My husband was very incapacitated and had dementia, so my life was very restricted. The district nurses attended to my husband but one day the nurse said she was there to see me. She advised me to contact the Carers Centre, and it was the best thing I could have done. I attend once a week and the other ladies have made such a difference in my life. Take that step and you will be surprised the difference it makes.”
“I came to the Carers Centre a number of years ago because I needed help. I didn’t see myself as a Carer as I was looking after family members. I just got on with it. The help I have received now makes me feel I am not alone anymore. I am more confident to ask for help. I share my troubles sometimes with tears and sometimes with laughter. I enjoy my wee knitting group and meeting new friends.”
The following is the personal view of a Carer who was inspired to take time out to express her view of the regular demands, sacrifices and challenges that the Carer faces every day, throughout the year.
Why do we do it?
Because we love and care about the person we are caring for.
Do we have a life?
No – Our life revolves around our caring role.
We do not have a starting time or finishing time.
We do not have the luxury of someone else taking over, you may get a little help from family or friends – not always.
Health and Safety:
Non-existent for Voluntary Carers.
Respite:
Availability either not suitable or viable. People cared for either not happy or agreeable to this.
“Physically exhausted” – If people cared for are in agreement with respite, you are never free – emotionally.
Financial:
We either have to reduce our hours or leave employment completely. Financially you are always struggling and tragically when your caring role ends, not only do they lose someone they love, but also a way of life.
In the case of a son/daughter it can be a lifetime caring role. It will be a 24/7 caring role, these Carers seldom get a night’s undisturbed sleep.
Some 24/7 Caring Roles:
Learning/Physical Disabilities: Autism/Mental Health/Brain Injured/Result of Accident/ Stroke etc. Life threatening medical conditions to name but a few. Occasionally more than one of the above /all of the above.
If Carers were being paid for the hours they work, they would be earning £1318.80 per week at the National Living Wage. Above lists the monetary value at the level of care they give.
To Everyone at the Carers Centre:
“Sorry this is so late to be sending but we wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for our short break to Forres. The drive was lovely although there were major road works so it took us a while… haha. The staff at Riverside were amazing and very welcoming. The lady showed us around our lodge which was out of this world, very posh. The kids loved it. There was not much to do in the park but that was a bonus for us. No computers or phones or anything that needed wifi… haha. Best of all, no stress and nothing to think about other than having fun together. We then found a centre that the kids could go ride in tanks and go karts. They were scared to go on the karts but we all went on tanks. See picture of tank, attached. Then the hot tub, that was great for the kids too although they were only allowed in for 10mins at a time, Park rules. 3 days of us connecting,without the use of wifi, was just what we needed so thank you so much for giving us that help. Since coming home our son has joined the Boys Brigade and he loves it. Look at how happy the kids are. You put that smile there…..Thank You.”
“I live with my mother and sister. I care for my mother who has fibromyalgia, anxiety and several other issues. My caring role includes housework, shopping and taking my mother to any appointments that she has. I have been caring for my mum my whole life but I only realised I was a young Carer when I was 13, as a family member pointed it out and told me about the support available. It was then that I joined the young Carers. They helped support me and gave me breaks when I needed it. I was referred to Inverclyde Carers Centre when I was 18 and transitioned into a young adult Carer. They arranged stress management sessions and other activities to help me with my caring role. I feel much more at ease knowing that there is someone there to help me when I need it, someone that understands my situation and is easy to talk to. I appreciate the work that they put into helping others.”
The details here have been edited and altered to protect the Carer’s anonymity.
