Carer Stories

Anita cares for her daughter, Sophie who is disabled. Without family support, Anita was struggling to manage on her own

If you spot Anthony and Alice Bridges eating out at a Wiltshire restaurant you’ll think they are just like any other couple

Helen cares for her 18 year old daughter Maja who was born with the rare condition Kleefstra Syndrome. Maja has a range of issues, include severe learning difficulties and low muscle tone.

Four years ago Joy Anderson gave up her Yoga business and life in London to move to Pewsey to become a full-time carer for her mum. It was not a decision Joy took lightly, but one she felt she had to make.

It was a bit of a slow realisation. I didn’t label myself as a ‘carer’ from the very beginning. When it’s from birth, you start off as looking after a baby just like everyone else

Sophie has been her mum's carer since she was 14, now 20 Sophie, with CSW's help, is studying at Bristol UWE

When Luke's mum moved into a home for the over 55s Luke was made homeless and living in a friend's summerhouse, despite still being a carer for his mum

Up to June 4th 2012 I was just me, a nearly 40yr old, single, wine drinking, cat owning, sister, aunt, a friend, sometimes the funny one or even the fat one. But that was as far as my labels went and some I liked, some I didn’t. Then on that day I became a Carer.