Your stories
8th June 2021
As part of Carers Week, we're raising awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
We are coming together to Make Caring Visible and Valued.
A story about a young carer
“I just want my daughter to experience normal childhood activities like any other 8 year old might whose mum doesn’t have health conditions.”
A Shine member, aged 35, lives with her husband and daughter aged 8. Her husband has PTSD and she has multiple health conditions such as Chiari 1 malformation, Hydrocephalus, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), anxiety and depression, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, is obese, and is an occasional wheelchair user.
She became a member of Shine in January 2021 and received emotional support from one of Shine's Support and Development Workers during lockdown. She worries that due to her health conditions her daughter misses out on social opportunities, and often has to help out at home more than another 8 year old might whose mum doesn’t have health conditions. She just wants her daughter to experience normal childhood activities.
Following Shine's support, she is now aware that her daughter qualifies as being a young carer and explained what that meant. She agreed for us to explore this and Shine has made a referral to the local young carers. An assessment has been made and now lockdown restrictions are easing, her daughter is looking forward to joining in on some of the fun sessions and trips they have planned over the summer holidays!
We offer support and can make referrals to those caring for Shine members, and we also want those who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and be able to access much-needed support.
Please call us on 01733 555988 or email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk to find out how we can help.