Althea’s Story – “I Asked for Help and Found More Support Than I Expected”
Caring for My Son
My name is Althea& and I care for my son, Jerome.
Being his Carer means I am always thinking about his safety and making sure he has the support he needs. Jerome is able to walk, but because of his condition, being out in public can present significant risks to him, to me and sometimes to other people around us.
One of the things that I felt would make a real difference was having a Blue Badge.
We Had Tried Before – But Kept Being Turned Down
We had applied for a Blue Badge before, both ourselves and with help from different organisations, but unfortunately we had not been successful.
It was frustrating because although Jerome can physically walk, that doesn’t mean getting around is straightforward or safe for him.
When Walsall Carers Hub became involved, they took the time to really understand the challenges we face when we are out together.
They helped explain Jerome’s needs in detail and made sure the application properly reflected the risks and difficulties we experience.
The application started in March. It wasn’t a quick process, but the Hub didn’t give up. They continued to follow it up and make sure our circumstances were properly considered. Finally, in September, Jerome’s Blue Badge was approved.
After all our previous unsuccessful attempts, it was such a relief.
Having the Blue Badge gives me greater reassurance when we’re out because we can park somewhere more suitable for Jerome’s needs. It might seem like a small thing to someone else, but for us it can make a huge difference.
Finding Somewhere Just for Me
Walsall Carers Hub also told me about their Women’s Carers Group, which meets once a month.
I decided to give it a try, and I’m so pleased I did.
Caring can sometimes feel quite isolating. At the group, I meet other women who understand what I’m going through without me having to explain everything.
It’s great hearing other Carers’ tips, having a cuppa and a few laughs along the way. I really look forward to having that time just for me.
I’ve made friends through the group too, which has been really important.
Helping Me Stay Connected
The Hub also provided me with a SIM card with six months of free mobile data.
It has meant I can keep in touch with the friends I’ve made at the Carers Group, calling and texting them in between our monthly meetings.
Having those connections outside the group makes a difference. The friendships don’t have to stop when the session finishes.
Help When Our Roof Started Leaking
Another worry came when our roof needed repairing.
Walsall Carers Hub advised me to obtain several quotes so we could understand the costs and find the most affordable option.
The lowest quote I received was £1,400.
As a family, we could contribute £800, but that still left us £600 short. Finding that extra money wasn’t something we could easily do.
Again, the Hub helped me look at what other support might be available.
I provided my bank statements and benefit letters, and my Carer Advisor helped complete the income and expenditure information needed to apply to Walsall Council’s Crisis Resilience Fund (formerly known as Household Support Fund).
The application was successful and I was awarded £200 towards the cost of the repair.
There is still a £400 shortfall, but the Hub hasn’t simply left things there. They are continuing to explore whether grant funding could help us find the remaining amount.
Having Someone Who Doesn’t Give Up
When I first approached Walsall Carers Hub, I didn’t realise how many different areas they might be able to help me with.
They have helped me secure a Blue Badge for Jerome after previous unsuccessful applications, supported me to access financial help towards an essential repair, connected me with other carers and even helped me stay in touch with the friends I’ve made.
For me, what stands out is the persistence.
Whether it was following up Jerome’s Blue Badge application over several months or looking for different ways to help with our roof, I felt there was someone alongside me who understood why these things mattered to our family.
Althea’s Advice to Other Carers
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if you’ve asked somewhere else before and haven’t been successful.
Sometimes you don’t know what support is available until you speak to someone who understands what being a carer is really like.
And don’t forget about yourself either. Joining the Women’s Carers Group has given me friendships, laughter and some much-needed time for me.
Being a Carer can bring lots of different challenges, but you don’t have to try to solve every one of them on your own. Speak to Walsall Carers Hub and see how they can help you too.
*Althea and Jerome’s names and photo are fictious as they wished to remain anonymous.
