Michelle’s mission for carers
Being a carer is one of the most important jobs. Not only are you giving up your time and energy to help someone – you are providing support that would otherwise come from the public purse.
Carers should be treated in a way that befits the huge role they play in our society. That is the mission of carer Michelle Dupree who is standing up for financial equality for carers.
It was only when Michelle tried to get a small loan from the bank to fix some dangerous paving outside her home that she discovered the income carers receive is not taken into account when applying for loans, making it impossible to get financial help.
Michelle, who has been a full time carer for around eight years, is now making her voice heard on behalf of others in the same situation.
She said: “The paving stones in the back garden had become damaged and slippy but I couldn’t afford to get the garden re-paved. You just survive being a carer. I don’t even have a TV licence because I can’t afford one.
“People who have visited have nearly fallen a few times and it was dangerous for my mum.”
Michelle managed to find some free paving slabs online and picked them up, but she was refused a small loan to get them laid.
“I find that absolutely mindblowing in this day and age. Banks are not catering to people on low incomes. There is no way I could ever get a small loan,” she said.
She added: “I don’t know whether people actually realise the struggles that we have as carers. I nearly killed myself getting the free paving slabs and I can’t even get them put down.”
Michelle, from North Gosforth, was introduced to North Tyneside Carers’ Centre by a friend.
Her mum had been ill for many years and she was in full time employment, but got to a certain point when she realised it was the right time to become a full time carer.
“It took me a couple of years to settle into the role. For a couple of years I was going to a lot of classes and events at the Carers’ Centre and I made a friend out of it. I hadn’t been doing my crafts for such a long time just because of my change of lifestyle and getting out of the habit of doing stuff I enjoyed. You get out of the habit of taking time for yourself,” she said.
She also spoke to North Tyneside Carers’ Centre’s Carer Money Matters team when her bathroom flooded which caused damage to the kitchen. She had to battle with the insurance company and even when some money came through, it wasn’t enough to cover the work.
North Tyneside Carers’ Centre helped her apply for some grants to cover the costs.
Through the centre, she was also invited to Parliament with a group of carers.
Michelle said: “When there was a chance of going to Parliament, I said yes please because I want to get the message out there. I spoke to lots of MPs about this issue and one of them said: why have I not heard about this. I said I don’t know but believe you me I’m trying to get my voice out there.”
She added: “It was a lovely day. It made me feel important. When you are a carer you get sucked into that role. You kind of become, I want to say a nobody, but you are somebody.
“When you are looking after someone else you lose your own importance. That is your job, it is about them and it is the most important job, and very rewarding. I felt like a person again, like an individual with a caring role.”
Michelle feels so passionately about sticking up for carers rights that she is raising the issues she has encountered with MPs and organisations to try and change things for the better.
She said: “You should be able to put paving down so your garden is safe. You should be able to get a small loan for home improvements. You should be able to remortgage.
“I think there should be provisions for carers. I feel passionately about this. I want to put my voice out there. It’s hard being a carer and you have to look after yourself mentally because you could get down when things get to you.”
Despite the challenges carers face, Michelle also has a positive message for carers: embrace it.
She said: “Caring will be one of the hardest jobs you’ll do in your life, but it will also be one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever do. Your life will be enriched by the experience, and you will make a difference to the person’s life that you care for, and also your own.
“You will find out through your caring role just how strong you really are, and you will be surprised, as a carer you grow as well.”
She also encourages people in her situation to reach out to their local carers centre.
“Ring North Tyneside Carers’ Centre and use the help available to you, it can come in many forms and can be invaluable”, she added.
“Caring for someone isn’t always easy, and can come with many obstacles. Just remember you are doing a good job, but always remember to take time out for yourself, you deserve it.”
If you are a carer in need of support, get in touch with North Tyneside Carers’ Centre.
0191 2496480
enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk