I became a carer some years ago, mixed in with this role
was having both hips replaced within a year. Before
that I had worked full-time, mainly as a teacher, my
own catering franchise and then as a foster carer. And,
of course, bringing up my own family of four sons too.
When I became a carer I was just a Mum doing the best
in very difficult circumstances. I sought and got as much
help as I knew how. At that time my needs were
certainly not the priority but as things started to settle
down I realised that my needs, friendships and hobbies
had disappeared. I had retired from work when my
caring role became dominant so I didn't have that
friendship group either and I had relied on friends
maybe too much, so some of them had backed off.
I started attending courses, support groups and visits
with Camden Carers. I can’t tell you how much it has
helped to be with other people who are in a similar position of caring. We don’t sit and talk
about our loved ones we care about much, we do stuff: artwork, drama, singing, chatting, all
kinds of things to lighten the load, to give us a break from the daily grind of helping our
loved one, to get away from the many angry phone calls made on their behalf.
I still really value the support I get from Camden Carers, especially the support group.
I look forward to Carers’ Week every year. It is the culmination of craftwork, drama, all sorts
of stuff that carers have had time out to enjoy. It’s great to have a national Carers’ Week to
raise the profile of what we do as carers, how much we do unpaid, although its not about
money, but it’s great to be acknowledged in an enjoyable way for us as carers.
Lydia Wenden