As a daughter looking after my mum, it took years to realise that I m a carer
Of the 6.5 million carers in the UK many, like Louise Purvis, just think they are dutiful relatives – and don’t realise help is available
20 December 2020 • 6:00am
Louise Purvis, 37, at her home in Birkenhead where she cares for her mother, who has bipolar disorder. Carers UK has given Purvis valuable support in her role
Credit: Paul Cooper
Louise Purvis moved in with her mother in Birkenhead when she was 16. Aside from a brief period when she was studying at university, she’s never left. Her mother Susan has bipolar disorder and has become increasingly unwell over the years.
How to look after yourself, when you re busy looking after others
For the UK’s army of carers, Covid and Christmas bring extra pressures. All the more reason to find time to
switch off
How to look after yourself, when you re busy looking after others
Credit: VERONICA CERRI
Stressed? It s Christmas– of course I’m stressed. Like so many others, I am trying to navigate the latest lockdown rules versus what’s safe for my family: I have parents who are both in their 90s, a partner who works in the NHS, and two adult sons who, despite being bah-humbugs, dearly want to see their grandparents. Families nationwide have faced months of fear, loneliness, worry and disappointment. It’s natural for millions of mums (and usually it is us mums) to try to make this year’s celebrations extra special for those we love. And yet despite feeling more frazzled than an overdone roast potato, I know I’ve nothing to moan about.
Some have sought to capitalise on the vulnerability and misfortune of others
Well, we’ve finally made it to the end of this punishing year. It has tried our patience, exhausted our energy and tested our resilience.
Many of us have lost our jobs, watched our businesses languish under lockdowns and seen our savings depleted – not to mention suffered the emotional toll of being separated from loved ones and barred from the activities that keep life enjoyable.
The salt in the wound has been those that have sought to capitalise on our vulnerability and misfortune. The scammers who have conjured up fresh ways to steal our money and damage our confidence. The insurers who have denied payouts for closed businesses, cancelled holidays and called off weddings. The companies raking in cash who have used the “because of Covid” excuse to ignore their customers or to disregard consumer law altogether.
| UPDATED: 22:17, Thu, Dec 17, 2020
Link copied Make the most of your money by signing up to our newsletter for FREE now
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.
Sometimes they ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.
Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.
You can unsubscribe at any time.
Carer’s Allowance serves as a financial helping hand to individuals who have caring responsibilities for another person. The carer is not required to be related to, or to live with, the person they are caring for. Those who are eligible could get £67.25 per week under Carer’s Allowance rules, which could offer important help.
Newspapers Launch Christmas Campaigns
Local and national newspapers across the UK are encouraging readers to support charitable causes and local campaigns over Christmas.
The Manchester Evening News is supporting local children’s charity Wood Street Mission this year and is encouraging readers to donate new toys and gifts.
This year, the Guardian and Observer charity appeal is partnered with organisations that support young people whose lives have been impacted by Covid-19. They are calling on readers to donate to UK Youth, Young Minds and the Child Poverty Action Group.
Robbie Williams launched his Christmas single in his hometown newspaper The Stoke Sentinel. The advert featured the phrase “Can’t Stop Christmas” and “why oh why are we all waiting” accompanied by the initials ‘RW’.