Waynes Pearson – Carers Journey

Wayne’s caring journey began in the 1990s while working full-time and living in the family home where he had grown up with his Mum and Dad. When his dad’s health began to decline, everything changed. His mum did her best to care for him, but as his condition worsened it became clear she couldn’t manage alone. Wayne made a life-changing decision — he left his job to care for his dad full time. 

With no training or experience, Wayne learned as he went along. Every day was a mix of doing his best, getting things wrong, and trying again. After four years, his dad’s needs became too complex to manage at home. He was admitted to hospital, where he sadly passed away. 

After his dad died, Wayne returned to work and his mum continued living independently. For a while, life found a new rhythm. But in 2018, his mum’s health began to decline. Once again, Wayne found himself juggling work and caring until he reached the point so many carers know too well. He had to make a choice. For the second time, he left his job to care for a parent. 

At first, his mum just needed a bit of help — meals, housework, shopping. As time went on, she needed more support, including personal care. Wayne reached out to Adult Social Care, and with help from a social worker, a care agency was put in place. Things felt more manageable until the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. 

Worried about safety, Wayne made the difficult decision to stop outside care visits and take everything back on himself. From that point, his world became smaller. His social life disappeared. Friends drifted away. Although he had wider family, they had their own pressures and couldn’t offer regular support. 

The isolation took its toll. Wayne began to struggle with anxiety and depression. On top of the emotional strain, money worries crept in. Like many carers, he found himself asking: Who do I turn to? How do I keep going like this? 

It was during this time that Wayne learned about Carer Passports — a way to be recognised as a carer and get practical support, such as priority access to services. He contacted Leicester Carers Support Service and spoke to a support worker. For the first time in a long while, he felt listened to. 

The support worker helped him apply for a Carer Passport and talked him through what to expect when his mum was discharged from hospital, including what questions to ask and what support he should be entitled to at home. Having someone on his side made a real difference. 

In 2024, Wayne reached out again. His mum was now 100 years old and feeling lonely and isolated. Once more, the support worker took time to listen, explaining local day services and social groups that could help improve her quality of life. 

Then, in October 2024, Wayne’s mum passed away. 

After years of being an unpaid carer, Wayne suddenly found himself facing a new and unfamiliar chapter. He didn’t know what came next. He contacted Leicester Carers Support Service again and spoke to the same support worker who had been there throughout his journey. This time, the support was about him. 

 He was offered emotional support, gentle guidance through the grieving process, and referrals to bereavement services. He also met with a benefits advisor who helped him make sense of his finances and understand what support might be available. Alongside this, he was supported to reconnect with the community through local activities, groups and one-to-one companionship, helping him slowly rebuild confidence after many years of caring. He was also encouraged to join a weekly carers Zoom group, where he could speak openly with others who truly understood his experience. 

“My experience of being an unpaid carer for the last ten years has had its highs and lows. Until you become an unpaid carer, you don’t really understand the stresses and challenges. Where do you turn? Who do you speak to? It’s a minefield. Knowing who you can talk to is vital. The right support can stop carers from burning out and becoming unable to continue.” 

Today, Wayne’s story has come full circle. 

After years of receiving support, he now volunteers as a befriender with Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. Using everything he’s learned through his own caring journey, Wayne is now there for others — offering a listening ear, understanding, and reassurance to people who may feel lost, overwhelmed, or alone.