Who we are and what we do: Brenda's role as Treasurer of Advocare

My caring role began in 1956, when I was in my early teens. I cared for my Mother until she died in 2006. From 1973 I was her main carer and sole advocate for thirty years until she had a long spell in hospital. She returned home but sadly I found I was unable to manage and Mum had to go into residential care. I remember one time in particular during the early years of caring for my Mother when I felt I just couldn’t go on. It took all my courage to seek help.

Preventing crisis

Carers are generally referred to Advocare or contact us aftr trying everywhere else for help. They are usually at their wits' end trying to cope with the demands of their caregiving role or have serious concerns about the care their loved one is receiving. I became a member of Advocare because I want to support fellow-carers and help to prevent them going through the same turmoil as I did. As part of a small, dedicated team I am helping to develop our strategy for expanding Advocare's Caring for Carers service. I want Advocare to reach carers before they reach crisis point: to be their first port of call instead of their last resort.

With my life-long experience as a carer I can understand some of the difficulties in looking after someone with severe anxiety problems. If you have any concerns about your loved one or you would like to talk to me in confidence about the demands of your caregiving role, please ring our Caring for Carers line (01202) 737592 and ask for Brenda.