Following PACC’s Annual Conference on Monday “Exploring Support for Parent Carers/ Family Carers”, feedback from PACC’s Community Navigator Service, and conversations from community events and activities, we created an information resource for practitioners using the feedback from families in the SEND community. The following information has been sent to practitioners in the Shropshire SEND system.
This Carers Week, the theme is “Building Carer Friendly Communities.” To achieve this, we must first understand the lives of those within our communities and the realities faced by Parent Carers every day.
Parent Carers of children and young people with SEND often juggle multiple roles simultaneously. Alongside being a parent, they are advocates, care coordinators, researchers, trainers, administrators, crisis managers, employers, navigators of complex systems, and emotional anchors for their families. Many are balancing appointments across health, education and social care, managing complex care needs, coping with sleep deprivation, navigating financial pressures, and trying to maintain employment and family life.
When we spoke to Parent Carers from across Shropshire, at PACC’s Annual Conference on Monday they shared both the challenges they face and what helps them feel supported.
Many described having to repeatedly tell their story to new professionals, chasing responses, navigating complicated processes, and feeling judged, blamed, or misunderstood. They spoke about worrying constantly about the future, struggling to access suitable support and short breaks, and finding it difficult to prioritise their own wellbeing while caring for others.
Importantly, Parent Carers told us that positive relationships with practitioners can make a significant difference.
Parent Carers consistently tell us that the best outcomes happen when professionals see them as equal partners. Their knowledge, experience and expertise are invaluable in helping us understand what children and young people need to thrive.
As practitioners, every interaction matters. A phone call returned, a clear explanation, feeling listened to, or being treated with respect can reduce stress and build trust. Collectively, these actions help create services and communities where families feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
This Carers Week, we encourage everyone to reflect on how we can strengthen our partnerships with Parent Carers and continue building communities where carers feel understood, valued and supported.
You can read the information resource sent here.