WHEN you are looking after a loved one day after day it is easy to feel like you are the only person going through such an experience.


But carers like Wyn Higham want to let those feeling isolated they are not alone.


Wyn has been a carer for 24 years and is helping Warrington Borough Council lead its Carer’s Week events.


She said: “Reaching out to carers who feel isolated, rejected or feel they don’t get their voice heard is what we want to do.”


Wyn has been her husband Colin’s main carer since he suffered a brain haemorrhage and a stroke in 1990 aged 46.


“What happened was devastating, our main concern was Colin, his survival and well-being,” added Wyn. “One minute he was fine, the next our world was turned upside down. Nothing can prepare you for something like that happening. Colin spent a year in hospital and came home with a massive package of care and we received great support from all agencies, including our GP.”

 

She joined the Carers Partnership Board in the borough as one of two carers.


Wyn said: “It was important to me along with other like-minded people to raise awareness of the needs of carers. We want to reach out to carers who feel isolated or rejected. We work closely with the council and other local agencies to look at support for carers, the issues they face, and how we can tackle these.


“There are lots of voluntary organisations in Warrington that provide support and 25 years ago we didn’t have this fantastic range of services. If we look back and think of how far we have come it’s incredible. It is just about making it as good as you possibly can for you your family and the person you are caring for.”


WIRED Adults and Young Carers Centre, on Sankey Street, also offers a range of services for adult and young carers including drop-in sessions, free counselling, therapy sessions, a newsletter, information and a range of social events people can get involved in.


For information call in to WIRED Adults and Young Carer’s Centre, 86 Sankey Street, call 442458 or e-mail warrington.carers@wired.me.uk.