My name is Jane. I am new to COEL and joined the Carers Panel in 2023. I am a mother to 2 children with additional needs and support my ex-military husband who has CPTSD. In my day job I am a Project Coordinator for a small charity working with adults with learning disabilities, autism and their families. I love trying new things, especially if they require any crafting or creativity.
The wellbeing and support of carers is woven into my job. However, I have to confess it took a while for the penny to drop and for me to realise I was actually a carer too who could do with some help and support from COEL.
For me caring is a part of everyday life. I am caring and empathetic by nature which is why I believe it took me so long to figure out I was a carer too! As I grow older, I am learning just how important a role being a carer really is. I’m realising what it could be like for a loved one if their carer wasn’t around to care for them. I hear so many stories from people who haven’t had someone they can rely on to care for them day to day and how this can impact the quality of people’s lives greatly! I am proud to class myself as a carer!
Knowing what support is available to you as a carer is difficult. Especially as you focus on getting through each day. CoEL have been a wonderful source of knowledge and support. My biggest hurdle is self-care. The saying “you cannot pour form an empty cup” is very significant to anyone in a caring position. I still fall short on this.
I had no idea that you could have support to take a break from caring. This is something I am currently finding out more about and hope to utilise in the future.
A break from caring for me is not being the executive function hub for my family! This I find the most exhausting part of my carer role. Time to decompress and refresh my mental wellbeing is a welcome break.
I would really like to see awareness raised about just how many unpaid carers there are in communities and understanding around the impact it has on their lives.
