A bit about me...
A carer on a mission
Did you know Carers UK estimate there are 10.6 million unpaid carers across the UK, supporting loved ones who are older, disabled, or seriously ill? Surprising right, and I am one of those 10.6 million.
To the left, you’ll see a picture of my family—my dad, Martin, my younger brother, Christopher, our dog beloved Rocky, and my mum, Linda. As you can probably tell, my mum is a permanent wheelchair user. She lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, bi-polar and several mental health conditions.
I’ve been caring for my mum, and my family, since I was about eight years old. My day-to-day involved everything from cooking meals to helping my mum with personal care. For me, it was just normal. But when I grew up and entered the workplace, I quickly realised how little people know about what carers do.
Like many carers, I used to avoid talking about my home life for fear of being judged or receiving unwanted sympathy—when really, all we want is to work hard and support our loved ones, just like everyone else.
That all changed when my mum had a stroke and ended up in the hospital. For the first time, I had to open up about my life because I couldn’t keep juggling everything on my own, and my mental health took a serious hit.
Six years later, with the support of my organisation, I started sharing my story. I began working with other companies, raising awareness about the realities of being a carer in the UK, and offering practical, cost-free steps they can take to support carers in their own workplaces.
My previous roles professionally such as Head of EDI and Wellbeing has also given me the chance to speak about mental health, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. I’ve been lucky enough to have my work recognised by Carers UK, the National Housing Federation and Harrys Pledge.
I am grateful to have also been recognised by Investors in People, as a finalist for Young Person of the Year in both 2022 and 2023; Working Families Family Friendly Champion of the Year 2024 and HR Leader of the Year by Reward Gateway Edenred.
If you’re looking for ways to support carers in your workplace, or if you’d like to hear from someone with lived experience of balancing care and a career, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to see how I can help - whether it be a workshop, talk or consultation I am here to support you to start making a real difference where you work today.