"Support for caring for my mum "

As part of National Carers Week we are sharing stories of recovery from our carer’s families and friends receiving services from Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust

My journey so far.

I’m a carer for my Mum in Newark & Sherwood. She developed Mental Health issues and was diagnosed with Bi Polar. It all started many years ago when she had post natal depression

My earliest memories were of the old Saxondale hospital and visiting Mum.

When Dad passed away, Mum had a massive breakdown. I became her source of help and support after this and became ‘’THE MUM’’

As her daughter, I felt duty bound to take care of her. I had seven tough years

I could not cope any longer and needed support for me. I just needed to talk to someone

I had to bang down a few doors and when I did, I met Andrea from the Family Interventions Coordinator in the Mental Health Unit at Bassetlaw Hospital

I like to talk it's helps me to deal with it. Andrea helped me through my tears and I started to look after myself so I could look after my Mum. I put together a carer’s support group in Newark & Sherwood, meeting at Asda and it helps us all. A wonderful group has been created.

My Mum has some fantastic medication now and she has stabilised and we are getting our relationship back on track. Sharing experiences and knowledge has been for the best and helps us through the bad days and help us to cope