What we do

Refresh Carers is a registered charity dedicated to empowering unpaid parent carers of children, young people, and adults with disabilities and long-term health conditions across Leeds and West Yorkshire. We provide personalised support to help parent carers identify and meet their own needs, improve their confidence, and gain skills that could open up new opportunities.

Our Services

We offer:

• Workshops and One-to-one Sessions, tailored support to build confidence, explore interests, and develop skills.

• Goal-Oriented Programmes, working with parent carers to set and achieve personal goals, whether it’s finding a hobby, volunteering, or entering paid employment.

• Personalised one-on-one support to guide parent carers to the services they need.

• Armley Parent Carer Support Group ‘Inspiration’ held at Dixons Unity Academy Hub Fridays from 9.45 - 11.30 am during term time only.

Why Our Work Matters

Parent carers face significant challenges, including difficulties accessing the public services meant to support them. Many carers find these services complicated and stressful to navigate, adding extra strain to their already demanding lives. Our 2022 survey revealed that most parent carers experience some, if not all, of the following struggles:

• Isolation from friends, family, and social activities

• Economic disadvantages due to limited work opportunities

• Physical challenges related to the demands of caregiving

• Poor mental health from stress, anxiety, and emotional strain

• Poor physical health as a result of neglecting their own well-being

• Loss of confidence due to being out of work and disconnected from personal goals

• Loss of identity as they focus entirely on the needs of those they care for

• Relationship breakdown under the strain of caregiving responsibilities

• Marginalisation in society, feeling overlooked and unsupported

• Disempowerment from lack of control over their own lives

• Exhaustion from the relentless demands of caregiving

• Restricted lives with limited freedom to pursue personal interests

These challenges impact their well-being and future goals, leading to long-term inequalities that affect not only carers but also put added pressure on health and social care services.

Our Aims

Through our programs, we aim to:

• Improved mental health

• Improved physical health

• Less reliance on medication and medical services

• For those who gain employment, there will be improvements in their finances and less reliance on benefits

• Improved confidence

• Improved family relationships

• Improved care of the child, young person or adult

• Improve the status of parent carers

• Parent carers being skilled up to volunteer and get jobs in the future.

Refresh Carers is committed to creating a more inclusive, supportive society where parent carers can thrive.