Hello and welcome to the Micro But Mighty Newsletter!

So it's Carers Week this week, a week where we celebrate the incredible work unpaid carers do to support the people they care about.

They really are the unsung heroes of health and social care. Without them, families would struggle, communities would struggle and many people simply wouldn't be able to continue living the lives they want to live.

This week's edition is dedicated to them.

As someone who has supported many family carers over the years, I've seen first-hand the love, commitment and resilience they bring every single day. I've also seen the exhaustion, worry and sacrifice that often comes with it.

So wherever you fit into the care world – whether you're an unpaid carer, a care worker, a family member or simply someone who believes people deserve great care – I hope you enjoy this week's edition.

And if you're supporting someone right now, here's your reminder:

💛 You matter too.

To coincide with Carers Week, Mark Bates LTD have released a MAJOR new benefit to be included in their policies going forward… income protection!

As it’s carers week this week, now is the time to shed light on the work that you do, explain how your care can truly support unpaid carers. See example of one of my posts below..

It's Carers Week this week, so I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that often gets overlooked...

You matter too.

When you're caring for someone you care about, it's easy to put yourself at the bottom of the list.

After all, there's always something else to do.

Another meal to prepare. Another appointment to attend. Another worry to think about.

But caring for someone else day after day can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. And if you're running on empty, eventually something has to give.

That's why taking a break isn't selfish.

It's essential.

One thing I've learnt over the years is that respite only really works if it gives you enough time to properly switch off.

Not just enough time to nip to the shops and rush back. Enough time to go for lunch with a friend. Visit family. Go swimming. Watch a film. Read a book. Sit in the garden. Or simply enjoy a few hours of being you rather than being someone's carer.

This is one of the reasons I'm such a fan of relationship-based, self-employed care.

Because when you have a trusted care worker who knows the person they're supporting well, family carers can often step away with genuine peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in safe hands.

Not worrying. Not checking their phone every five minutes. Not rushing home. Actually switching off.

I always remember we once supported a couple who both lived with dementia and they had one son. This one son did so much for them, he was on speed dial for them! But the stress and worry of caring for both parents, with no siblings, was just immense! He was always on the go. And he had 4 grown up children all having grandbabies, so he was just pulled from pillar to post. For years he did this! Then we got involved, we built a relationship, got to know his mum and dad, trust grew, confidence grew and .... he went on holiday! I've never met someone so deserving of a good break away! He came back like a new person. Rested. Recuperated. So happy he had had the chance to truly switch off knowing that his parents were safe, happy and well cared for.

So if you're an unpaid carer reading this, here's your reminder:

Looking after yourself is part of looking after the person you care for. You matter too.

Are You Really Self Employed?

As it’s carers week, we have teamed up with the Professional Carers Network and have got this amazing booklet for you to share and use:

Attendance Allowance Booklet : Are You Missing Out? Let’s make sure families who’s loved one needs care, know that their loved one could be eligible for some help towards their care needs.

One of the things I love most about the independent care world is that when good people work together, everybody wins.

This week, we're delighted to be sharing a number of independent care opportunities thanks to our friends at At Home Care, who have kindly opened up some of the enquiries they haven't been able to fill themselves.

Now, let's be honest, they could have simply said "sorry, we can't help" and moved on. Instead, they've chosen to help connect more people with the support they need, and I think that deserves a mention.

Because at the end of the day, care isn't a competition. It's about making sure people get the right support, from the right person, at the right time.

So a huge thank you to the Helen at At Home Care for being willing to work together to help more people access great care.

If any of the opportunities below are of interest, simply reply to this email and we'll point you in the right direction.

Couple WF10 4JZ

Single lady in SG7 5AX

Hospital discharge, single person, LN12 2QP

Single person seizures BN12 4NU

Single lady NE24 3JE

Single lady ST19 5EB

This week’s story comes from Tarry Kruger who’s attention to detail and ability to create a trusting relationship has seen one couple get the support they really needed, read Tarry’s story below.

I started supporting a couple recently. He has dementia and when I started, I noticed she was showing signs of memory loss. They dont have any children so limited family support. I’m not sure how they have been coping for all this time but people cover up things well.

I raised a safeguarding and then the day after unfortunately he had a fall and broke his hip and is in hospital. I have been doing a lot behind the scenes, liaising with care navigator and sorting out other things for them as well as taking her to see him in hospital.

I have supported her to make an appointment for memory assessment and liaised with the gp about my concerns. Her nephew has thanked me over and over again and so grateful that she trusts me to support her, as she wouldn’t talk to them.

It’s all the little things that all add up that make the difference. It’s very rewarding. Prior to him breaking his hip we were going out to the garden centre because she didn’t have the confidence to take him out so they had become quite isolated.

Until next time…

Keep doing the small things that make a mighty difference!

xx