My Journey
Personal experience as a Carer
My mother was diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis (a heart defect) just before I was born. She had major heart surgery when she was 21 but lived for another 25 years with her condition. I was an only child. My father and I cared for her with the help of neighbours as there wasn’t home care facilities available then. We experienced wonderful care in the community – neighbours looked after me when my mother was hospitalised and when my father was at work. That was how communities all pulled together in those days. Although I did a lot for my mother, I would not have been called a young carer. “Carers” were not recognised as such in those days as they are today.
When my late father was diagnosed with combined dementia – Alzheimer’s and Vascular, I left work to become his full-time carer. He eventually was admitted to a residential home and needed nursing care up to his death. After this I had to rebuild my life and professional career.
Professional career
Throughout my life my career has mainly focused on Education. Training and Development Tutor, OCN Assessor, Informal Educational Practitioner – (JNC) Youth and Community Worker, Practice Teacher for University (Degree Students on Placement), Pastoral and Practical Care within the life of the Community and in full time Church Ministry which has taken many forms and within a wide age range.
Privileged opportunities
My personal and professional experience and qualifications have given me the opportunity to speak at various events within Education, Health, Hospitals, Mental Health Students (QUB) Community and Church. Delivering carers training programmes, supporting care home residents, staff and relatives with training workshops.
I have also had the privilege of working for 3 years with the now defunct Relatives Association Northern Ireland where I was asked to produce an information guide (Where 2 Turn – 2006) for families who had to consider placing their loved one into a care home setting. After this I produced three caring publications and won an UnLtd Ignite award. My recent work was the production of a new caring resource – ‘Time 2 Care Training Manual’ which was launched in Stormont (March 2019) and also by the Northern Health & Social Care Trust. I have completed my Doctorate in Ministry ‘Pastoral and Practical Care within Community Engagement’. Some of this material has been incorporated within the manual.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who support and help carers in so many ways – health care professionals, agencies, faith-based groups, community and not least, family and friends. We can all make a difference in the life of the carer and care-receiver.
Footnote:
Mary Henderson of Care 2 Share NI Caring Publications is an Ignite Award Winner, a programme delivered by UnLtd Engage. UnLtd is the Foundation for Social entrepreneurs who aim to support individuals who have the drive and determination to change the world in which they live.