Support Esteem Team to Support Parent Carers

Hi, my name’s Nicki and I’m a parent carer. I also work for a wonderful community interest (not for profit) company called Esteem Team CIC, based in Exmouth. I’d like to raise money for them by completing the Couch to 5K challenge.

Today, I read some new Affinity Hub Research on Parent Carer Trauma and it really resonated with me, both through personal experiences and thought meeting all the amazing parents of children and young people I work with. Research has found that parent carers are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, stress and physical health difficulties. They will often feel emotions of guilt, shame, hopelessness and helplessness and judgement. Being a parent carer can be isolating and an exhausting journey to getting the support your child needs. This NEVER stops; however the right support can get a parent through it.

Esteem Team work with children and young people who have additional needs and/or struggle with their mental health. Alongside this they support parent carers, offering 1 to 1 support, group support and information sessions. This is a free service that is completely funded through charity donations. The family support team and all my colleagues are some of the most kind, compassionate and skilled people I know and I really don’t know how I could have got through the last 3 years without them.

Now it’s time to show my admiration to parent carers and support Esteem Team to continue to fulfil their mission. Our girls overcome barriers day in, day out and I’m with them all the way. I’m a large lady and not as fit as I’d like to be, so have my own barriers to overcome. This is going to be super tough, but will hopefully support my own mental and physical health too. The photo above shows my glowing cheeks after day 1 of the challenge. It should take 9 weeks, but may take longer as caring responsibilities can

take over at any time. Freya will also be joining me, so we’ll get through it together. Wish me luck! I’m going to need it!!