Penny’s story

I felt like if I needed help, it meant I wasn’t coping.

When Freddie was just two years old, Crossroads Care came into our lives, and they’ve supported us ever since. Freddie is 17 now, and has complex needs including scoliosis, dystonia, and global developmental delay. He can’t communicate verbally, but his smile lights up any room. He uses facial expressions, body language, gestures, and sounds to tell us how he’s feeling.

In the beginning, I struggled to let anyone else care for Freddie. I felt like if I needed help, it meant I wasn’t coping, and that was hard to accept. I thought it was my responsibility to care for my children alone. But over time, I realized that Crossroads Care wasn’t just helping me – they were helping our whole family. They provide weekly respite support with a care package that is tailored to Freddie’s needs.

Thanks to Crossroads Care, my husband and I have been able to spend quality time with Freddie’s older brothers, who are now 19 and 21. It was difficult at first, but I now understand that Freddie wouldn’t have been comfortable in some situations, and the older boys needed time too.

I can’t imagine life without Crossroads Care. Their support gives me peace of mind and allows me to make plans, knowing Freddie is in good hands. They truly make a difference.

Organisations like Crossroads Care provide vital support, advice and respite breaks to unpaid carers across Richmond. With your help, we can get more funding to the organisations supporting unpaid carers in our local area. See how you can help.

*Some names have been changed