Karen’s Caring Story
Support for carers: Karen’s journey back to confidence
Everything changed overnight when Karen’s mum had her third stroke in January 2026. Karen had already decided to move home after her mum’s second stroke in November 2024 so she could balance her work with caring for her mum. The reality of full-time caring hit hard when the third stroke happened at the same time as Karen was made redundant. “It was a double whammy. I felt very alone, and I was really struggling.”
Caring quickly became a full‑time role. Karen wanted to work again, but she couldn’t see how it would be possible alongside her new caring responsibilities. Her mental health suffered, and she came close to breaking point.
The turning point came through a chance meeting with a friend who asked whether she had tried the Portsmouth Carers Service, but Karen had not heard of it.
At the same time, Karen was trying to get answers about benefits and finances, as she was worried about how going back to work might affect her mum’s income and rent. These questions led her to Advice Portsmouth, and she soon realised the two services worked closely together. “I thought, brilliant I can kill two birds with one stone.”
That first visit to the carers centre marked the moment Karen realised just how much support existed locally.
Karen met Liz from the Portsmouth Carers Service and says the impact was immediate. “I broke down. She could see I wasn’t ok.” Liz encouraged Karen to speak to her GP about her mental health and reminded her of something carers often forget: “If I don’t look after myself, I won’t be able to look after my mum.”
Just as importantly, Liz focused on Karen, not just her caring role “It wasn’t just a service, it was how personalised it was. She gave me so much attention and care; it was like I was her only one. In fact, I would use the word “love” she’s been amazing”.
Moving forwards things began to change.
Advice Portsmouth provided clear information and guidance around finances and benefits. The Portsmouth Carers Service helped Karen and her mum access the right support, while also encouraging Karen to prioritise her own wellbeing alongside her caring responsibilities. “I was told about the arts and crafts and cooking groups, all of which are a chance to meet other people in similar situations”. They were useful opportunities to find what others in similar situations found helpful and what works for them, I thought, “wow, this is just what I need.”
One thing Karen found difficult was feeling much younger than other carers. She felt lonely and isolated. Connecting to these groups and activities helped her meet others who understood her situation. “I think I would have saved myself six months of stress had I known sooner.”
She was also introduced to the Community Learning Place in North End, which played a key role in helping Karen rebuild her confidence and take steps back into employment. “It helped me realise there was a way forward.”
Being introduced to Lottie from Connect to Work was the start of gaining her confidence again. Karen explains how caring had stripped away her sense of identity. “I’d been in management for 20 years. Then suddenly, I was doing personal care. You lose yourself “. Through Connect to Work, Karen received encouragement, practical help and emotional support. “Lottie helped me remember who I was.”
Her new part time job works around her mum’s care package. “I found something that fits.” She says life isn’t perfect but it’s better. She works four days a week and more importantly she is there for her mum. Both have fuller lives. “We have more to talk about and it’s like she’s got a life and I’ve got a life again.”
Karen’s message to other carers would be “Do it now. Do it yesterday. There is help out there once you know where to find it! It’s not just physical help; it’s mental and emotional support. You don’t have to face it alone.”
Karen’s story demonstrates how organisations in our community can support carers and enable them to rediscover who they are, rebuild confidence, and see a brighter future.