Like so many of us, Tracy only recognised herself as an unpaid carer when her daughter was diagnosed in her early 20’s with Autism and Inattentive ADHD. Her caring journey has led her to become a Carer Ambassador for Devon Carers, which enables her to speak out for others, raise awareness and help shape the future of adult carer services. 

Like most unpaid carers, I didn’t see myself as an unpaid carer; it’s part of what we do, right? I’m a mum, sister, daughter and a wife. My Daughter was diagnosed in her early 20’s with Autism and Inattentive ADHD. That led to my diagnosis in my mid 50’s. My family is tiny but complex, and we share a lovely mix of Autism, PDA, ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD, POTS, FND, Epilepsy, Brain Injury, Arthritis and COPD.  

I’m the researcher, administrator, accountant, form filler, mediator, translator, health consultant, problem solver, IT and fix-it girl. I’m the toolbox, scaffold, emotional support, advocate, and protector. I am the one who eliminates as much stress and anxiety as I can so that my family function to the best of their ability. I’m also the clown - humour and silliness are essential!

Three years ago, I happened upon Devon Carers. It was only then that my journey of viewing myself as an unpaid carer began. I received my Carers ID Card, welcome pack and emergency planner, all of which have been very helpful.  

Living a rural life with very limited transport (no bus service), Autism, ADHD and social anxiety, I noted the online groups and asked to attend the Autism Peer Support group. It takes a lot of time to earn my trust, but this little group of the most amazing folk immediately got me, they have become like my second family. We share the ups and downs of life, offering support, a smile, a virtual hug, tears and laughter and words of wisdom. I get to share my own experiences living with neurodivergence for others to relate to. I now belong to five of their marvellous online Peer Support groups. 

One day, they asked if any of us would be interested in becoming a Carer Ambassador? I said yes. Being a Carer Ambassador gives me a voice and a chance to represent how Devon County Council services can further enhance support for carers and our cared-for.  Personally, I speak for those who are neurodivergent or have communication and/or cognitive difficulties, yes, carers have health conditions too!

But there’s so much more! I’ve been amazed at what I’ve learned by attending the various online Carer Skills Workshops, especially the assertiveness and dementia ones facilitated by very knowledgeable, approachable, articulate people with firsthand experiences. There are also health walks and face-to-face Peer Support groups, too, literally something for everyone.

I started this journey with two main aims:

1. To find community and support
2. To help me navigate future planning for when I am unable to care and look out for my family. 

Westbank’s Devon Carer services and the carers I have met have helped me so much with both. I am so grateful and feel so much stronger with them all in my life. Thank you, Devon Carers.