Let's Take Care - Support for Carers of Disabled Children and Young Adults

Melissa and Jane have been caring for their daughters for over 20 years, helping them to lead hugely successful lives. But they've made some mistakes along the way, and learnt a lot. Or, learnt the hard way.

They've been tired, burnt out, broke, ignored, isolated - yet still expected to keep going.

Let's Take Care is their way of helping other carers of disabled children feel less alone - and more equipped to cope with the realities of care that no one talks about.

In each episode they'll talk about the emotional and mental weight of lifelong care - what it's like to fight the system constantly and how to survive practically, emotionally, physically.

They'll be sharing what they wish they knew 20 years ago ... and hoping to make you laugh as well.

Host

Melissa Paulden

Melissa Paulden is a Mum to two beautiful daughters and a proud Meme to her spirited 4-year-old grandson. As a parent of a young woman with Cerebral Palsy, Melissa knows firsthand the joys and deep challenges of caring for someone with complex needs. When her eldest was just starting school and she was pregnant with her second child, her husband lost his eyesight. Suddenly, even more weight came crashing down on her shoulders.

For decades, Melissa went into 'fight or flight' mode - putting her family first — and herself last — running on stress, little sleep, and survival-mode habits like smoking, drinking, and emotional eating. Now in her 50s, Melissa is rewriting that story. After a breast cancer diagnosis in late 2023 — caught early and successfully treated, thankfully — Melissa wants to help carers like her to prioritise their own health and wellbeing - and Take Care of themselves whilst they are caring for others.