TWO unpaid carers from Tameside have opened up about their experiences in the hope that it will help others seek support.
It coincides with Carers Week this week – which raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges carers face and recognises their contribution.
Allan, 74, cares for his wife after a tragic accident left her needing full-time care and they were both unable to work.
His life transformed dramatically overnight as he was suddenly thrust into a caring role that he had no training for and felt lost.
But Allan, from Hyde, says contacting Tameside Carers Centre – a service that supports carers to get the right support at the right time – was life changing.
“Reaching out for support is the best thing I ever did,” he said. “I now feel like I’m not as alone and I often connect with other carers through monthly coffee mornings and events, organised by the Carers Centre.
“They have also directed me to groups so I can take some time out for myself. I love singing and I am now a member of the Tameside Community Health Choir and I even sing at some of the Carers Centre events.”
Parent-carer Lisa Smith never thought of herself as a carer as, to her, she was just a mum raising her child.
The 43-year-old from Ashton-under-Lyne says she now feels listened to and supported after getting in touch with Tameside Carers Centre.
“Post-Covid, I was really struggling and feeling burned out and realised I needed to get some support,” Lisa explained.
“After contacting the Carers Centre and talking to a Wellbeing Advisor, I felt heard and was relieved to hear about the help available to me.”
With life very different now for Lisa, guidance from her Wellbeing Advisor led her to complete several courses through Tameside’s Wellbeing College and she now regularly attends a Parent Carer Support Group.
Councillor John Taylor, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Sharing our carers’ stories is so important to show others they are not alone and to encourage people to reach out for help.
“We continue to be so grateful to our community of carers, recognising and appreciating your sacrifices and efforts to care for your loved ones.”
Tameside Carers Centre offers drop-in support sessions from Mondays to Fridays – excluding Wednesdays – from 10am to 2pm in the People Place at Tameside One in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Booking is not essential and carers can connect with each other through coffee mornings, which are hosted on the last Tuesday of every month and regular events are organised for well-deserved time out.