Written by Bethany Pepper, The Eaves – proud sponsors of Challengers Orange Aid 2025
At The Eaves Counselling and Psychology, we are proud to support Challengers and the extraordinary difference they make in the lives of children and their families. While children are at the heart of this work, it’s also important to recognise the parents and carers behind the scenes, those who offer care, strength and stability every day.
The Pressure of Caring
Parenting any child comes with its own unique pressures but for parent carers of children with disabilities, the emotional and physical demands can be significantly greater. Many spend their days advocating, planning, managing therapies or appointments and constantly adapting to their child’s evolving needs. Unsurprisingly, this can leave little time or energy for their own wellbeing.
And yet, supporting your own mental health is one of the most valuable things you can do, not only for yourself but for your family.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
We often hear from carers who feel guilty about taking time for themselves. But the truth is, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritising your own emotional wellbeing helps you remain resilient, patient and present. At The Eaves, we regularly work with individuals who come to us overwhelmed, exhausted or feeling isolated. Through talking about worries or stresses with a professional therapist, they find the space to breathe, reflect and rebuild.
Whether it’s talking to a counsellor, going for a walk, having a bath, asking for some help or simply taking five minutes with a cup of tea…it all matters.
Top Tips for Parent Carer Wellbeing
Here are some simple, practical tips to support your mental health as a carer:
1. Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Even five minutes of stillness can make a difference. Take a moment to breathe deeply, make a cup of tea or step outside for fresh air. Pausing doesn’t mean you’re not coping, it means you’re caring for yourself.
2. Talk to Someone Who Listens
Whether it’s a friend, fellow carer or a trained counsellor, sharing your thoughts can ease feelings of stress or overwhelm. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
3. Let Go of Perfection
There is no such thing as a perfect parent. Focus on doing what you can, with the energy and resources you have. That’s more than enough.
4. Set Boundaries Where You Can
It’s okay to say no to things that drain you. Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect, not selfishness.
5. Connect with Supportive Communities
Challengers’ Healthy Parent Carer courses are a fantastic opportunity to meet others who understand your experience.
6. Seek Professional Support When Needed
If you’re feeling persistently low, anxious or overwhelmed, counselling can help you find perspective and rebuild emotional resilience.
Celebrating Support from Challengers
We are inspired by the work Challengers are doing to champion carers wellbeing through their Healthy Parent Carer courses. These sessions offer carers practical tools and emotional support, helping them to reflect on their own needs and learn how to prioritise self-care in realistic achievable ways.
It’s a great reminder that mental health support doesn’t have to be complicated, it starts with a conversation, a safe space and knowing you are not alone. Training for facilitators was provided by the University of Exeter, and notably, all facilitators are parent carers themselves. This means they bring real-life understanding and empathy to the programme.
The impact of these courses is already being measured. Social value monitoring findings showed a 63% increase in participants feeling more relaxed, and a 64% increase in feeling good about themselves. These are great indicators of the programme’s positive influence on carer’s wellbeing.
At The Eaves, we believe that talking therapy should be accessible to everyone. That is why we’re pleased to be in conversation with Challengers about the shared support we offer to families across the South East. Together, we’re helping build a compassionate, community-based network that uplifts not only children and young people, but their families too.
If you’re a carer feeling stretched, overwhelmed or unsure where to begin know that support is available.
Need to Talk?
The Eaves Counselling and Psychology provides professional mental health support for individuals, couples and families including parents and carers. You can learn more about our services at www.theeaves.org.uk or contact us directly to speak with one of our friendly referral team on 01483 917000.
Join us for Orange Aid 2025! Our inclusive, family-friendly festival on Saturday 13 September at our Challengers Playcentre in Guildford is nearly here! All eligible families should have received an email containing a unique ticket link. If you haven’t received this, let us know by emailing us.