Who we are?

Refresh Carers was founded in 2021 with a vision to provide real opportunities and support for unpaid parent carers of children, young people, and adults with disabilities or long-term health conditions. After years of campaigning for better services for disabled individuals and their families, founder Julie Baird, along with another co-founder who has since moved onto new projects, recognised the need for more dedicated support for parent carers. Parent carers often have few chances to focus on their own well-being, hobbies, or paid work, which can lead to isolation stress and ultimately health issues.

With their own journeys as a parent carers and a strong commitment to social justice, Julie and her co-founder started Refresh Carers to create a safe, empowering space where parent carers can build confidence, develop skills, and engage in activities that matter to them—whether that’s exploring a hobby, volunteering, or pursuing paid work. By putting parent carers at the centre of this work, Refresh Carers is committed to fostering positive change and enhancing their quality of life.

This personal experience fuels my passion for Refresh Carers. I want to help other parent carers reach their own goals, recognize their value, and take steps to improve their lives. When parent carers feel supported and valued, it makes an enormous difference for them and their families.

With a background in Youth Work, Community Development, Intensive Family Support, and Training—and a degree in History with Women’s Studies—I bring both professional skills and personal experience to Refresh Carers. Together, we’re creating a community where parent carers can connect, grow, and feel empowered to lead fulfilling lives.

Julie’s story

My daughter, Millie, was born on 15th November 2001. My family and I were overjoyed—her older brothers, Christopher and Sean, couldn’t wait to welcome her. But at around five months old, a nurse noticed that Millie’s head was smaller than expected. After further tests, a consultant confirmed that Millie had Microcephaly, a condition where her brain wasn’t growing normally. That day changed our lives; I remember holding Millie with her dad, both of us overwhelmed with emotion.

Millie is now 20, a vibrant young woman who communicates with Makaton and enjoys socialising. She needs 24-hour care, uses a wheelchair, and inspires me daily with her determination. Yet, being a parent carer to a child with severe physical and learning disabilities has been challenging. We’ve fought for essential services, adapted our home, and my partner and I have adjusted our work to fit Millie’s needs.

For the past decade, I’ve been the main breadwinner, working in a meaningful role with my local council. This job has been essential, not only for financial stability but also for my own confidence and sense of connection. I know firsthand how activities like work, hobbies, or volunteering can transform a parent carer’s well-being and combat isolation.

Trustees  

  • Val Hewison - Trustee

    Val Hewison was the CEO of Carers Leeds, the vital support service for Carers throughout Leeds.

    Working at a strategic and at a local level, Val led Carers Leeds for over 15 years. Her determination and hard work transformed the support available to carers by working together with other services in Leeds to develop a single Point of Access service.

    This passion for supporting carers was developed through Val’s personal experiences as a parent carer and her extensive qualifications in social care and management.

  • Gerard Lavery - Secretary

    Geral Lavery has been involved in campaigning on services to children with special educational needs and disabilities he co-authored the pamphlet on behalf of Unite Community and with Disability Empowerment Links, The Leeds School Transport Campaign: Defending Services for Vulnerable Children.

  • Pauline Bailey - Treasurer

    Before retiring in 2019, Pauline worked as a Social Worker in the Children’s Disability Team in Leeds. This work made Pauline very aware of the needs of parents and carers of disabled children and young adults and she is pleased to be able to contribute some of her knowledge and skills to Refresh Carers.

    Pauline was also an active member of the trade union (Unison) and was treasurer of the branch (Leeds) for over 25 years. In addition, Pauline is also involved in several community organisations.

  • Carol Hart - Chair

    Carol Hart lives in Leeds with her partner and two children. She works part-time as a civil servant in project management for the DWP while also being a dedicated parent carer for her daughter, Abigail, who has learning disabilities and autistic traits and currently attends Camp Hill College.

    In addition, Carol provides care for her father, who suffered a stroke six years ago, assisting with everything except personal care.

    With her busy schedule, free time is limited, but when she gets the chance, she enjoys socialising with friends and going for walks.