Parent carers face increased risks of mental and physical health problems. They often prioritise the health and wellbeing of their children and their caregiving responsibilities, sometimes to the neglect of their own needs.
Many parent carers don’t feel empowered to look after their own health. They may feel too tired or stressed to engage in healthy behaviours, or feel guilty about taking time for themselves. However, poor health of parent carers can have negative consequences on their wellbeing and on their children and families
The Healthy Parent Carers programme aims to improve health and wellbeing among parents of children with additional needs and disabilities through:
- Promoting greater empowerment, resilience and confidence of parent carers;
- Taking small steps that are associated with better health and wellbeing;
- Encouraging setting achievable goals and taking a problem-solving approach