Carers’ Week, which this year falls on 9-15 June, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. Ahead of the awareness week, we spoke to our Families and Carers Lead, Liz, who told us what a regular day looks like for her.

How would you describe your role in one sentence?

To make sure that we consider family members and carers in everything we do as an organisation. Everybody at Princess Alice has some part in supporting family members and carers, but in my role that, rather than anything else, is the focus.

How many people do you come into contact with?

At any one time I have about 30-40 family members/carers on my caseload. They are people who have been identified by a member of the Multi-Professional Team as needing some support, or who have referred themselves.

What’s the first thing you do on a standard day?

While my computer is powering up I always make sure I have a coffee to get me going. Then I check my emails and note down 3 or 4 key priorities for the day.

What’s your favourite task?

The coffee morning is my favourite time of the week. It’s an informal chance to catch up with family members/carers over a hot drink and cake. I never know who is going to come but always enjoy meeting someone new or being greeted by a familiar face. The best thing for me is when people are able to connect with others who have shared similar experiences or feelings, and say this has helped them feel much less isolated.

Which task do you dislike the most?

I think like most people I am in this job because I want to be helpful and supportive. The thing I find most difficult or frustrating is when I can’t match someone up with the kind of support they’re looking for (e.g. because what we can offer clashes with some other commitment, or particular (external) services aren’t available in their area).

What’s the most interesting thing about your job?

I love meeting different people and hearing their stories, finding out about their relationship with the person they’re supporting and why they do whatever it is they do. It’s often very inspiring.

What do you think other people would be surprised to know about your role?

It’s a real mixture of providing direct support (signposting, onward referrals, facilitating groups) and thinking more strategically about the services and resources we provide for carers, making and maintaining connections with other organisations and keeping up to date with research/innovations. That’s one of the things that attracted me to the role and the variety keeps it interesting.

What skills do you need to do your job?

It sounds simple but I think the most important one is listening. The temptation when someone is sharing something that they are finding difficult is to jump in with a solution, but sometimes the thing people need most is to really be heard. There are sometimes worries or concerns that, for various reasons, family members/carers don’t feel able to share with those closest to them and it’s important to create a safe space for them to acknowledge and explore those.

Who have you learned the most from at PAH?

The family members/carers I’m working with – when I run the 8-week carers programme I’m always fascinated to find out ways people have found to help them cope with the practical and emotional challenges that come with having someone close to you unwell. I definitely learn at least as much from these sessions as the family members/carers do.

Is there anything boring about your role??

Absolutely not. No two days are the same.

What’s the last thing you do before you leave at the end of the day?

Once I’m in the car I’ll make sure I put on some music. I love my job but it can be emotionally demanding at times.  I’ve got particular songs which help me to unwind, but some of the lyrics are a bit fruity so I need to get those ones out of the way before I collect the kids!