Kirsty’s story: 30 years of caring
VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) is a charity supporting unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian, established in 1994. To mark 30 years of supporting carers, we are sharing stories of carers whose caring journey and time with VOCAL have lasted a long time.
If you would like us to share your story, please email ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Over the past three decades, we have worked with carers to drive the carers’ movement and bring about change in policies, recognition and support. As we recognise this milestone, we look forward to continuing to work alongside carers and our partners to bring about further change against the backdrop of societal challenges. Kirsty has kindly shared her story of caring and we are sure there will be similarities for many carers reading.
Kirsty has been an unpaid carer for over 30 years. Her journey began when her daughter was born. When her daughter was just one year old, Kirsty noticed the signs of autism and that her daughter was progressing in different ways. It took eight long years to receive a diagnosis of autism. Back then, autism wasn’t widely recognised, which made Kirsty’s journey difficult and isolating. Just as Kirsty thought things were getting better as her older daughter now had a diagnosis, her youngest daughter began experiencing non-epileptic seizures at the age of 12, after a gruelling three years of seeking a diagnosis. Some days, she could have up to 40 seizures.
It was during this turbulent period that Kirsty first reached out to VOCAL after a conversation with a doctor at her local GP. Until then, she never considered herself an unpaid carer, she was simply a mum doing what any parent would do for her children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kirsty’s responsibilities expanded. Her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, prompting Kirsty to move in with her parents and provide 24-hour care. Sadly, Kirsty’s mum passed away.
Kirsty continues to care for her elderly father and her two daughters. For over ten years, Kirsty has been in touch with VOCAL. Her favourite thing to do is participate in our free programme of training, events and activities. These sessions are more than just educational for Kirsty; they provide time for her to 30 years of unpaid caring focus on herself. She said:
“The support VOCAL has given me has been amazing. The training provided is really great and helps me to get time away to myself.”
Kirsty also volunteers at our Edinburgh Carers’ Hub. She is often the first friendly face visitors see when they come in! Kirsty’s volunteering journey began with leading craft groups for VOCAL, and now she helps in reception on Fridays.
“I love volunteering with VOCAL. I am treated like one of the staff members, and it really gives me a purpose. I enjoy welcoming carers into the building and knowing they are receiving the support they need – it gives me a sense of achievement and I feel like I am able to give something back.”
If you have been caring for 30 years or would like to share your reflections on your time with VOCAL, we would love to hear from you. You can share your story by emailing social@vocal.org.uk or calling 0808 196 6666.
For more information on VOCAL’s free services for carers in Edinburgh, check out: