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Carer Friendly Conversations

Forward Carers

Carer Friendly Conversations, the brand-new podcast dedicated to shining a light on the realities of Unpaid Caring.

In the UK alone, there are around six million Unpaid Carers supporting loved ones, often while balancing work, family, and everything in between.

Brought to you by Forward Carers, this podcast takes you inside these experiences, through honest conversations, powerful stories, and practical insights.

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  • 6 episodes
  • Avg 31 min
  • English
  • October 29 · 21 min

    Black History Month Special

    This week, we are celebrating Black History month and our theme at Forward Carers: 'honouring our communities - the legacy of caring'. We hear an extract from our Black Carers Panel where Monica Gregory, Health Liaison Manager at Forward Carers and former Carer herself, is joined by three unpaid carers: Angela, Kent and Millie. They talk about the legacy, culture and traditions of caring in the Black community. They discuss how they became Carers, cultural traditions behind inter-generational homes, and what is most important to them in their caeing roles. It is just a short extract from the full chat, but gives a brilliant flavour of their conversation. We also hear some testimonies sent to us from Black Carers, discussing what the legacy of caring mans for them. We hope you enjoy!

    • Transcript
  • October 28 · 21 min

    Black History Month Special

    This week, we are celebrating Black History month and our theme at Forward Carers: 'honouring our communities - the legacy of caring'. We hear an extract from our Black Carers Panel where Monica Gregory, Health Liaison Manager at Forward Carers and former Carer herself, is joined by three unpaid carers: Angela, Kent and Millie. They talk about the legacy, culture and traditions of caring in the Black community. They discuss how they became Carers, cultural traditions behind inter-generational homes, and what is most important to them in their caeing roles. It is just a short extract from the full chat, but gives a brilliant flavour of their conversation. We also hear some testimonies sent to us from Black Carers, discussing what the legacy of caring mans for them. We hope you enjoy!

    • Transcript
  • October 14 · 29 min

    Rab Ferguson: 'The Late Crew' and Writing About Young Carers

    Young carers deserve adventure, not just awareness. Award-winning author Rab Ferguson explains how The Late Crew turns Young Carers into heroes, why language like “Young Carer” matters, and how fiction can help people feel seen, proud, and understood. Host Alex Dunn talks with Rab about his series of Young Carer focussed books ‘The Late Crew’ in an alien, funny, middle-grade adventure world so it works for young carers, not just about them. They unpack his characters and what they reveal things about different kinds of caring, and how the books balance excitement, humour, and emotional truth without flattening the characters into stereotypes.You’ll discover: Why Rab wanted readers to see young carers as the heroes of the story How Rab writes strength into neurodivergent and caring characters without ignoring real challenges Why using the actual phrase “Young Carer” can change how children identify themselves and ask for support Rab Ferguson: Rab is an award-winning author whose The Late Crew series is built around young carers, neurodiversity, and adventure. His work is used in schools and carers’ charities to help children feel represented and to open up conversations about caring roles, wellbeing, and pride.Essential listening if you care about children’s books, representation, young carers, or the power of storytelling to change how people see themselves and each other.

    • Transcript
  • August 12 · 35 min

    Jen & Alex B: Talking Carer Wellbeing, RESET, and linking Physical and Mental Wellbeing

    In this episode, we are talking all things Carer Support, particularly the RESET Programme. RESET is a 10-week course designed to help unpaid Carers through physical and emotional wellbeing support. First, we chat with Jen, an unpaid Carer based in the West Midlands. She explains the transformative experience she had on the RESET Programme, how it helped her grow in confidence both in work and social life, as well as reconnect with her passions. We then catch up with Alex Broadbent from the RESET Programme, who explains a little bit about the idea behind the course. He shares why he feels it is so important, the links between physical and mental wellbeing, and the value of finding identity beyond Caring. We hope you enjoy!

    • Transcript
  • August 4 · 35 min

    Jen Haden & Alex Broadbent: Talking Carer Support, RESET, and linking Physical and Mental Wellbeing

    In this episode, we are talking all things Carer Support, particularly the RESET Programme. RESET is a 10-week course designed to help unpaid Carers through physical and emotional wellbeing support. First, we chat with Jen, a Counsellor and unpaid Carer based in the West Midlands. She explains the transformative experience she had on the RESET Programme, how it helped her grow in confidence both in work and social life, as well as reconnect with her passions. We then catch up with Alex Broadbent from the RESET Programme, who explains a little bit about the idea behind the course. He shares why he feels it is so important, the links between physical and mental wellbeing, and the value of finding identity beyond Caring. We hope you enjoy

    • Transcript
  • June 8 · 47 min

    Neil Joesbury: Talking Caring, co-Caring and the importance of LGBTQ+ Representation

    Neil has a Catchphrase: "There's light at the end of the tunnell when people start talking" This encapsulates what he is all about - he's passionate about his Caring role, and wants to help as many people access support as possible. Based in Birmingham, Neil has Caring and Co-Caring experience having supported both his dad and brother. We speak about his inspiring journey as a family carer, his involvement in community support, and the importance of inclusivity when it comes to unpaid Carers. It covers the challenges he faced, the benefits and difficulties of accessing support, the impact of community, and dealing with tough situations. Our chat also delves into the representation of unpaid Carers within the LGBTQ+ community, and Neil tells us why he thinks it so important. Takeaways Caring and Co-Caring Challenges of Caring Accessing Support Impact of Community Dealing with Tough Situations Family Support Maintaining Independence Work and Caring Importance of recognition and inclusivity for Carers

    • Transcript
Showing 1–6 of 6 episodes