A Mansfield woman is urging other local carers to get support this Carers Week (7–14 June).

Padamaja Sivan, known as Paddy, a 51-year-old from Mansfield, looks after both her parents. Her dad has dementia and suffers with bladder cancer and her mum is in constant pain with her degenerative spine.

Paddy looks after them by cooking, maintaining the house and garden, taking them both to hospital appointments and sorting out household admin such as paying bills. She has been receiving support from Nottinghamshire Carers Hub, which is run by TuVida and commissioned by the County Council.

Paddy said: “It’s all too easy to lose yourself in your caring role, but the Carers Hub help all different ways from making difficult decisions to looking after your health and wellbeing. Whether you need peer support or professional guidance, you’re not alone!

“When you’re caring, it can be easy to feel cut off. It often helps to hear from people in the same situation. It was great to connect with other carers talking to people who understand what you’re going through. Other carers share their personal experiences and tips. They are here to make sure no-one has to care alone.

“They help you by letting you know about other ways to get support in the local community including guiding you towards other services and organisations that can offer support on which benefits you or the person you care for may be entitled to and information about how to get benefits which is a great help.”

Coun Boyd Elliott, chair of the County Council’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: “It is fantastic to hear how the Carers Hub is making a real difference to people during such a challenging time in their lives. I hope that Paddy’s experience will encourage others to contact the Carers Hub and get the support and advice they need to help them in their caring role.”

The Carers Hub provides free, confidential and personalised information, advice and support for carers of all ages including telephone and online support.

Find out more: www.tuvida.org/nottinghamshirehub / 0115 824 8824