When you've seen your child almost die numerous times and you've been living on your nerves for years, your priorities change.

You change. Forever.

Friendships lapse and new friendships form - forged through common hardships.

In this episode of Let's Take Care, mums Jane and Melissa discuss how handling their daughters' illnesses has shaped them.

The two friends explain how trauma has changed their take on life - but they wouldn't have it any other way.

In their usual warm and witty way, Mel and Jane's love and compassion shines through as they talk about their experiences and offer support for other parents of children and young people with disabilities. 

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

The runaway wheelchair and the havoc of the hoist! 

Jane and Melissa look on the bright side in this episode of Let's Take Care, as they remind us laughter really is the best medicine, especially if you're the carer of a young adult or child with disabilities.

The pressure of being a full-time carer is immense and the two mums discuss how looking back on disasters with a smile has helped them face many challenges. 

Mel reveals how she put a ghastly social worker in his place and Jane tells us about a toy of Kitty's that went rogue.

This episode is sure to put a smile on your face, whether you're a parent carer or not - and there's help for people who don't know how to act around people with disabilities.

#ParentingADisabledChild #DisabilityParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #CarerSupport #ParentCarers #CarerLife #TiredParentsClub #CaregiverSupport #ParentingJourney #InvisibleLoad #newyeartips #selfcaretips 

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

Being a carer can take a mental and physical toll. 

In this New Year episode Jane and Melissa talk about how over the years, they sacrificed their health as they prioritised their children - and why they wished they hadn't.

Melissa opens up about her cancer, and Jane talks about her heart condition.

The two mums share their tips on staying healthy, and they discuss how looking after themselves has made them better parents and partners.  

From sound baths to country walks, this episode is full of practical tips plus, as always, plenty of laughs.

#ParentingADisabledChild #DisabilityParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #CarerSupport #ParentCarers #CarerLife #TiredParentsClub #CaregiverSupport #ParentingJourney #InvisibleLoad #newyeartips #selfcaretips 

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

Being Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party hasn't stopped Sir Ed Davey from taking care of his disabled son.

In this frank, compassionate and at times, witty discussion Sir Ed talks fondly about his family and the challenges of being a parent carer.

Caring for a loved one has been a way of life for Sir Ed who first took on caring responsibilities as a child.

Join Jane and Melissa in this intimate, no holds barred chat.

#EdDavey #LiberalDemocrats #ParentCarer #CaringForCarers #CarersVoices #DisabilityParenting #FamilyFirst #PoliticalLife #CarerLife #CaregiversJourney #DisabilityAwareness #InConversation #PodcastInterview #RealStories #HumanSideOfPolitics #CompassionInAction #CaringResponsibilities #letstakecare #HonestChat #LeadershipAndLife

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

Being a carer for a young adult with profound disabilities is tough - but it's not our children that make it hard - they're a blessing. It's the system that puts carers under constant pressure.

In this episode Melissa and Jane share their greatest frustrations and discuss the many difficulties families face when they're caring for a child with disabilities.

This episode is a tongue-in-cheek glimpse at the worries caused by the seemingly never-ending bureaucracy that weighs them down. 

As always, Melissa and Jane manage to look on the bright side as they rage against the machine.

Whether you're a carer or not, you can't fail to be touched by this insightful episode of Let's Take Care.

Plus...the two mums reveal details of a very special guest who's lined up for the next episode.

#ParentingADisabledChild #DisabilityParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #CarerSupport #ParentCarers #CarerLife #TiredParentsClub #CaregiverSupport #ParentingJourney #InvisibleLoad

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

What do you do when friends and family offer unhelpful advice when you're the parent of a child with a disabilities?

How can you protect your marriage or partnership from the strain of overwhelming tiredness and never-ending responsibilities when you are caring for your child twenty-four hours a day?

These are some of the questions Jane and Melissa address in this episode of Let's Take Care - the podcast that supports carers of disabled children.

Listen in on their heartfelt conversation as the two mums talk about their experiences and offer insights for others in similar situations.

There's also a advice for listeners without disabled children, on how best to help.

#ParentingADisabledChild #DisabilityParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #CarerSupport #ParentCarers #CarerLife #TiredParentsClub #CaregiverSupport #ParentingJourney #InvisibleLoad

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

Why a simple “How are you?” can feel impossible to answer when you're the parent of a child with disabilities. 

Jane and Melissa unpack the weight carers carry — the mental, emotional, and physical toll — and why society rarely sees or acknowledges it.

Feel seen and supported in this thought-provoking episode with tips on how to handle the invisible load.

Whether you’re a carer yourself or want to better understand the experience, this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and less alone.

#PodcastEpisode #LetsTakeCarePodcast #ParentingADisabledChild #SpecialNeedsParenting #CaregiverSupport #InvisibleLoad #MentalLoad #CarerLife #ParentCarers #EmotionalLabor #UnseenStruggles #SupportCarers #DisabilityParenting #HowAreYouReally #CaregiverBurnout #SeenAndHeard

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

Unexpectedly giving birth to a baby with disabilities can change the course of your life.

In this episode Jane and  Melissa share their birth stories and talk us through the challenges they faced when their babies were born with complications.

We hear about the mental, physical and psychological toll of raising children with profound disabilities.

Jane and Melissa offer advice for other parents following in their footsteps, such as how to find your tribe, how to get  the help you need and how to stay positive against the odds.

Above all, the two mums offer a message of hope and show how joy can be found in living with and loving children with disabilities.

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK

https://www.bftf.org.uk/

Email us at: letstakecare@bftf.org.uk

#DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #HiddenDisability #SENDParent #AdditionalNeeds #SpecialNeedsParent #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveFamilies #CarersUK