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.
Episodes
11 episodes
Episode 10: Steve's story - being a neurodivergent Dad to neurodivergent adoptive children
What's it like to find out you have autism as an adult? In this episode Melissa and Jane sit down with Steve, an adoptive dad and charity volunteer, to talk honestly about parenting two teenagers with neurodivergence.Steve sh...
Episode 9: Practical tips to help parent carers - before there’s a crisis
One cancelled care shift can wipe out a whole day.Parent carers often seem able to do it all - because they have to, but that can make friends, family, and professionals assume they can cope without them, and because of that, somet...
Episode 8: How being a carer changes you forever
When you've seen your child almost die numerous times and you've been living on your nerves for years, your priorities change.You change. Forever.Friendships lapse and new friendships form - forged through common hardships....
Episode 7: The power of laughter when you're a carer
The runaway wheelchair and the havoc of the hoist! Jane and Melissa look on the bright side in this episode of Let's Take Care, as they remind us laughter really is the best medicine, especially if you're the carer of a young adult ...
Episode 6: Health tips for carers
Being a carer can take a mental and physical toll. In this New Year episode Jane and Melissa talk about how over the years, they sacrificed their health as they prioritised their children - and why they wished they hadn't.Mel...
Episode 5: Sir Ed Davey shares his story about caring for his disabled son
Being Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party hasn't stopped Sir Ed Davey from taking care of his disabled son.In this frank, compassionate and at times, witty discussion Sir Ed talks fondly about his family and the challenges of being a pa...
Episode 4: What we hate about being carers (and it's not our kids!)
Being a carer for a young adult with profound disabilities is tough - but it's not our children that make it hard - they're a blessing. It's the system that puts carers under constant pressure.In this episode Melissa and Jane share their...
Episode 3: Handling relationships when your child is disabled
What do you do when friends and family offer unhelpful advice when you're the parent of a child with a disabilities?How can you protect your marriage or partnership from the strain of overwhelming tiredness and never-ending responsibilit...
Episode 2: The Invisible Load
Why a simple “How are you?” can feel impossible to answer when you're the parent of a child with disabilities. Jane and Melissa unpack the weight carers carry — the mental, emotional, and physical toll — and why society rarely sees ...
Episode 1: Staying positive after having a disabled baby: Jane and Melissas’ stories
Unexpectedly giving birth to a baby with disabilities can change the course of your life.In this episode Jane and Melissa share their birth stories and talk us through the challenges they faced when their babies were bor...