Celebrating carers: Our unsung heroes
At the Chilterns Neuro Centre, we know that care doesn’t begin or end at our doors. It continues in countless quiet, powerful ways at home, in the community, and in the hearts of families.
Every day, we see the extraordinary commitment and compassion of the unpaid carers – the husbands, wives, sons, daughters, partners and friends – who give so much of themselves to support a loved one living with a neurological condition.
Unpaid carers are often invisible but are always there – juggling medication schedules, attending appointments, managing mobility challenges and offering emotional support through good days and bad. Many of our members know how important having someone else supporting them is for managing day-to-day.
“Friends and family are often the first to spot when something’s not right,” says Louise Grace, Therapy Services Lead at the Centre. “They are with our members day in and day out. They see the subtle changes and help us tailor care more effectively. Their insights are invaluable.”
Here at the Centre, around 15% of our membership is made up of carers. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a reminder that carers are not only bystanders in someone else’s health journey. They are members of our community, with needs and stories of their own.
Being a carer can often be isolating, exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. We can support friends and family so they can continue their own life journey while supporting their loved ones. We can provide a safe space where they can meet others on a similar journey and share experiences.
We are committed to supporting carers just as much as the people they care for. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, respite opportunities or inviting them to take part in social groups, our Centre is a place where carers are recognised, respected and supported.
“We want friends and family to know, your wellbeing matters too,” says Juliette Byrnes, Carer Member Coordinator at the Chilterns Neuro Centre. “We want carers to feel as welcome, cared for and empowered as much as any other member so that their quality of life can be also be improved.”
This Carers’ Week, and every other week, we want to say thank you. Thank you to the carers who show up, who stay strong, who love fiercely. You are not just part of our community, you are the quiet strength that holds us together.