What we do
Refresh Carers is a registered charity dedicated to empowering unpaid parent carers of children, young people, and adults with disabilities and long-term health conditions across Leeds and West Yorkshire. We provide personalised support to help parent carers identify and meet their own needs, improve their confidence, and gain skills that could open up new opportunities.
Our Services
We offer:
Workshops and One-to-one Sessions: Tailored support to build confidence, explore interests, and develop skills.
Goal-Oriented Programs: We work with parent carers to set and achieve personal goals, whether it’s finding a hobby, volunteering, or entering paid employment.
Personalised one-on-one support to guide parent carers to the services they need.
Why Our Work Matters
Parent carers face significant challenges, including difficulties accessing the public services meant to support them. Many carers find these services complicated and stressful to navigate, adding extra strain to their already demanding lives. Our 2022 survey revealed that most parent carers experience some, if not all, of the following struggles:
Isolation from friends, family, and social activities
Economic disadvantages due to limited work opportunities
Physical challenges related to the demands of caregiving
Poor mental health from stress, anxiety, and emotional strain
Poor physical health as a result of neglecting their own well-being
Loss of confidence due to being out of work and disconnected from personal goals
Loss of identity as they focus entirely on the needs of those they care for
Relationship breakdown under the strain of caregiving responsibilities
Marginalisation in society, feeling overlooked and unsupported
Disempowerment from lack of control over their own lives
Exhaustion from the relentless demands of caregiving
Restricted lives with limited freedom to pursue personal interests
These challenges impact their well-being and future goals, leading to long-term inequalities that affect not only carers but also put added pressure on health and social care services.
Our Aims
Through our programs, we aim to:
Improved mental health
Improved physical health
Less reliance on medication and medical services
For those who gain employment, there will be improvements in their finances and less reliance on benefits
Improved confidence
Improved family relationships
Improved care of the child, young person or adult
Improve the status of parent carers
Parent carers being skilled up to volunteer and get jobs in the future.
Refresh Carers is committed to creating a more inclusive, supportive society where parent carers can thrive.
“The activity was very interesting and I learnt skills I never even imagined I could do. Thank you so much for your support throughout the course”
”For me refresh was really exactly as it says in the name it refreshed my thoughts on what I actually do day in and day out 24/7 it reminded me that I’m human and I matter too. Reminded me if I don’t take care of myself then how can I do my best to take care of my children”
”I wouldn’t have got this far without the encouragement and belief from refresh carers. I genuinely loved and learnt something from every session”