HOW will you be rescued if people don't know your need rescuing?  

When I was caring for our father, I thought I had to do it all! I was the main carer and this was just my lot in life!  

I was running around caring for everyone and running myself into the ground until I had a breakdown! 

I didn't put my hand up and say help!  

If I am going to be honest - my friends and family offered help but I lied to them, I told them I was ok because I didn't want to feel that I wasn't coping. 

I was very wrong and I have since learnt that caring isn't a solo experience.  

Just as we are taught that when we are swimming at the beach and we get into trouble just raise your hand and you will be rescued.  

Often you may have to raise your hand more than once however if you look in the right areas, like swimming between the flags you need to sign up to the right support services so if you need rescuing people will know you are there and they will be able to help rescue you from overwhelm.  

The Carer Gateway is the perfect example - you may not need them now but if you register with them they will be there when/if you need them. So when you raise your hand they will see you and provide the support you need.  

Asking for help is hard and sometimes we don't know we need help, being part of a great support network is important.  Listening to people with lived experiences who know what it's like to be a carer and are there to support you. 

Put your hand up and ask for help.  You are not alone.  

You Matter to me.