Carers Week - Seb's Story

This year’s theme for Carers Week is ‘Making Caring Visible, Valued and Supported’. We’re sharing a story from Seb Smith, a senior manager in our Workforce Strategy & Culture practice and a member of our SPACE network (Supporting Parents, Carers and Everyone Else). In late 2021, Seb’s father Simon was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Since then, Seb, his stepmother and sister have been navigating being Simon’s primary carers.

“My father has been a rugby player, partner of his own accountancy practice, and continues to be a loving parent, sibling and friend. One of my childhood dislikes was walking through town with Dad as we wouldn’t be able to get more than 50 metres without him bumping into one of his clients and having a good discussion for 20 minutes. When it came to work, despite best efforts he's always remained incredibly busy.

“However, the impact of my father’s illness, emotionally and physically, has been life-changing for both him and all of us. Due to the ramifications of COVID, like pressures on staffing and the need to be more vigilant, as a family we have had to be on the front foot as Dad’s condition seems to be deteriorating rapidly and no week is the same.

“We’ve had our dark days, when we’ve had to call 999 at 4am, to start talking about eulogies, or to help him wrap up his client base. For me, the greatest impact has been accepting that doing just enough and being there is all you can and should do in order for you not to burn out.

“My mental wellbeing has suffered significantly during the last 6 months, and the counselling I have been able to access through the firm’s employee assistance programme has been invaluable. The support and flexibility I have had from my team has enabled me to balance my caring commitments with work so I have a place to retreat to.?

“I’ve found carers are the most time-precious people I have met, but there is an element of empathy that connects you. The carers I have met as part of SPACE or elsewhere within the firm will always do what they can to help. At times as a carer, I have felt vulnerable, overwhelmed, or sometimes forgotten about. What has kept me anchored is the kindness and help offered by people you hardly know once they can see or hear what you’re going through. It is up to you to disclose what you want to disclose, but don’t be afraid to ask for help.”