Meet the Team: Lorraine, Carer Support Practitioner

Meet Lorraine Kardasz, one of our Carer Support Practitioners specialising in supporting parent carers. Having been part of the team for almost nine years, Lorraine has built up a wealth of experience, as well as a personal understanding of some of the challenges parent carers can face.

Lorraine’s understanding of the parent carer journey is shaped not only by her professional experience, but also by her own family life. She is mum to two young adults, both of whom have a diagnosis of autism, and has experienced first-hand some of the challenges and uncertainties that can come with navigating school, services, and life beyond education.

“Our family has faced its own challenges throughout the school years and beyond, but I’m incredibly proud of both of my children. They have grown into hardworking, caring and kind young adults.”

These experiences have given Lorraine a personal insight into the realities many parent carers face. Combined with almost nine years of professional experience, she is able to draw on both her knowledge and understanding to offer parent carers support that is compassionate, practical, and grounded in real-life experience.

A Safe Space to Be Heard

One of Lorraine’s key responsibilities is carrying out Statutory Carers Needs Assessments for parent carers who request one. For Lorraine, these assessments are about much more than completing paperwork; they provide a valuable opportunity for parent carers to have an open and honest conversation about their caring role in a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment.

“A Carers Needs Assessment can provide a really valuable opportunity for parent carers to talk openly about their worries and concerns without fear of judgement. It’s also a chance to reflect on how caring may be affecting their own wellbeing, as well as their wider family life and friendships.”

The assessment also provides an opportunity to build a clearer picture of the cared-for person’s day-to-day life, including their routines, needs, and the support they require. This can help ensure the parent carer’s own needs are recognised alongside those of the person they care for.

You Don't Have to Do It Alone

For Lorraine, supporting parent carers isn't just about one-to-one conversations and assessments. It's also about creating opportunities for carers to connect with one another.

Every month, she runs a Parent Carer Coffee Morning, an informal drop-in session where parent carers can come along, meet others who understand their experiences, share ideas, and simply have a chat over a cup of coffee. There's no expectation to stay for the full two hours. Carers can drop in for as little or as long as they would like.

“Being a parent carer can sometimes feel challenging and isolating, even though it can also be incredibly rewarding. The coffee mornings give people an opportunity to take a break from the day-to-day realities of caring, connect with others, and hopefully leave feeling a little more supported."

Sometimes, having the opportunity to speak to someone who understands can make all the difference. Come along to one of the upcoming coffee mornings.

The Sun Inn, Coate Water, SN3 6AA
9:30am - 11:30am

Upcoming dates:

• Wednesday 9th September

• Wednesday 14th October

• Wednesday 11th November

• Wednesday 16th December

Whether you're looking for support or advice, want to meet other parent carers, or simply fancy a friendly chat over a coffee, you'll be warmly welcomed.

“If we can help a carer feel listened to, understood, and a little less alone, then we've made a difference."