As a carer, you probably hear this a lot, 'you need to look after yourself'.

The Be Well service supports people to have the confidence, information and skills needed to help you manage and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

Through our FREE Self-Management courses, we cover topics such as:

Our service is proud to work closely with our dedicated volunteers. One of which gave a testimonial about their experience as a carer of almost 20 years, and how the ‘Introduction to Looking After Me’ (ItoLAM) program helped them realise the importance of looking after themselves, their own rights and feeling accepted and no longer alone in their situation. 'Back in 2004 my son had a tragic road traffic accident which left him with a severe brain injury. I gave up work to become his full-time carer following his 4 month coma. It was tough, he had to re-learn all the basic skills much like a newborn baby, from feeding himself, toileting, washing to walking and talking. It was a long road, I became very tired and after an employed carer broke our trust, it was difficult to let anyone in. I was doing it all. The caring, transport to rehabilitation to attending and fighting his court case as the accident was not his fault.

'Back in 2004 my son had a tragic road traffic accident which left him with a severe brain injury. I gave up work to become his full-time carer following his 4 month coma. It was tough, he had to re-learn all the basic skills much like a newborn baby, from feeding himself, toileting, washing to walking and talking. It was a long road, I became very tired and after an employed carer broke our trust, it was difficult to let anyone in. I was doing it all. The caring, transport to rehabilitation to attending and fighting his court case as the accident was not his fault.

I muddled through to around 2015 where my health was deteriorating and I was diagnosed with COPD, the GP suggested I attend the COPD course with the Be Well service. It was great, and from there I attended the ‘Introduction to Looking After Me’ carer’s course. It was such an eye opener, I met others who had some similar experiences. It was so nice to swap notes and offload. I felt so accepted and learned about trusting again, relaxation, knowing my own rights and what benefits I may be entitled to.

Now I'm an accredited volunteer tutor delivering most the courses the Be Well Service offer. I love helping others and being able to help create a support network for them. I share my story and experiences in the hope it will help others. I'm also still caring for my son, alongside a brilliant, employed carer we now have, as well caring for my granddaughter who lives with autism, my daughter and elderly parents. Being part of the Be Well Team helps me through.