Matthew’s journey: how caring led to volunteering
Matthew Mckenzie joined Carers UK as a member in 2013 and is also an incredible volunteer, generously sharing his caring experiences, leading several Share and Learn sessions and raising awareness at local events.
Geoff’s story
Carers UK caught up with Geoff Almond from St Helens, who cares for his wife, Jean, who has Multiple Sclerosis. Geoff, who is now retired, was fortunate to have an employer and colleagues who were supportive of his responsibilities as a working carer. Geoff shares his insight into how the Carer’s Leave Act will be an important improvement for people juggling work and unpaid caring responsibilities.
Adam’s story: life as a parent carer
Adam has been caring for his daughter Evie since she was born, when at only 14 days old she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Adam gives us an insight into his and his daughter’s life, with Evie now been 14 years old, and what he has found helpful in managing his caring role.
Mina’s story: caring for mum and dad
At the age of 44, Mina Akhtar from Birmingham has been a carer for her mum, Fazeelat, and dad, Aslam, for over half of her life. Mina shares her story with Carers UK, as she talks about the highs and the lows of her caring experience.
Caring from afar: Olga’s story
Since 2015, Olga’s caring role has been shifted and reshaped with the needs of those she cared for - her parents. Sharing her challenges around shared caring, distance caring and managing her mother’s affairs, her message is clear - don’t be afraid to seek help.
Taking steps for carers: Norman’s volunteering story
Norman is a carer, Carers UK volunteer and local volunteer in Hertfordshire. Since 2014, he’s been organising sponsored walks during Carers Week to raise funds and spread awareness of caring in his community.
“I didn’t know I was a carer” - Laura's story
Laura describes how it took her years of providing care to realise her role had become more than just being a granddaughter.
Kausar’s story: “As their carer, I became a mother to my brothers”
Kausar Iqbal moved to the UK from Pakistan at a young age and has been a carer for her brothers since she was a child. Kausar spoke to Carers UK about her journey as a sibling carer.
Helen’s volunteering story
Helen Dowse volunteers for Carers UK as an Online Awareness Raiser. She describes what that position involves and how volunteering helped her recognise her own role as an unpaid carer.
Much Ado About Dying
When Simon started receiving calls in India from his uncle David, who was living alone in England, it started a caring story that is being shared in the exceptional documentary, Much Ado About Dying. Simon sat down with us to talk us through looking after David and how the film came about.
Time to spend on yourself
Jackie shares how she looks after her wellbeing by staying active alongside caring for her husband.
Caring for someone with sight loss: Sue’s story
Sue shares what it’s like to care for her husband, who has sight loss, and the challenge of keeping his boredom at bay.
Life after caring: Annette's story
Annette Greatorex cared for her mum for over a decade. She shares how her life has changed since her caring role came to an end.
Thrown in at the deep end
When Chris’ partner had a sudden stroke, he learnt how hard caring can be – and discovered some surprising upsides.
Caring for someone with an addiction: Julie’s story
Julie shares how she’s learnt to detach herself from her son, who has several health problems and an addiction to drugs and alcohol.
“Nothing can prepare you for this”: Tandy’s story
Tandy shares her experiences of providing end of life cancer care to her mum Valerie at home.
Carers Active stories
Read stories from carers of becoming and staying physically active alongside their caring roles.