"Every Carer’s Journey is Different But We All Come From the Same Place." - Hazel's Story
When I think about myself when my husband was first diagnosed, I was completely lost. I never would have imagined that I would be where I am now.
At tide, we believe unpaid carers deserve more than thanks — they deserve to be seen, heard, and valued.
Caring for someone with dementia is a profound act of love, strength, and resilience. Yet too often, unpaid carers are overlooked — their voices unheard, their needs unmet, and their contribution invisible.
At tide, our mission is to change that.
We’re here to make sure carers are not only recognised but truly valued — in policy, in services, and in society. Every carer’s journey is unique. We’ve heard countless stories of compassion, courage and hope. Carers have told us about the deep bond they share with the person they support — and about the daily battles, the isolation, and the strength it takes to keep going.
That’s why we believe in the power of storytelling.
When carers share their lived experience — especially the hard parts — they shine a light on what it really means to care. These stories challenge assumptions, build empathy, and help shape services that meet carers’ needs.
We invite carers to speak out, not just for themselves, but for the thousands of others walking a similar path. Because when carers are heard, change becomes possible.
At tide, carers are not an afterthought — they are the driving force behind everything we do.
Do you want to share your story about caring for a loved one? Please get in touch at carers@tidecarers.org.uk
Filter your stories
"Would you ever put your mum in a nursing home?" Steve's Story
“Would you ever put your mum in a nursing home?” I was once asked, very tentatively! I think the person who questioned me was surprised by my response; “if mum’s safety was ever compromised or I couldn’t meet her needs of course I would”.
'"Well, he's got dementia..." That was my diagnosis.' - Hazel's Story
“When I asked what was wrong, the doctor just said ‘well, he’s got dementia’ and left me there… That was my diagnosis.”
'It's Generational Thing!' - Lesley's Story
Lesley Aitkenhead wrote a piece about her experience as a carer and other carers' experiences.
Looking after someone with dementia and working full time
'Our Care System is Broken' - Susan's Story
'I lost another little bit of Mum' - Anne's Story
'Not being able to see each other is a huge loss' -Mary's Story
The battle for a diagnosis - Linda's Story
'Each year you grieve for the life you should have had' - Ray's Story
'Would your dad not be better in a care home?' - Hayley's Story
'Did I let my mum down?' - Doreen's Story
'I needed to look after myself too' - Bernard's Story
Covid, Care Homes and Lockdown - Natasha's Story
'If I don’t know how can I best care for him?' - Lynn's Story
Ansa's Story
Dewan's Story
Tahir's Story
The identity I didn't ask for - Natasha's Story
'My distress at not being able to fix things for mum' - Julia's Story
'Who cares for me?' - John's Story
'This is me' - Ray's Story
Janis's Story
'Losing and finding me' - Alison's Story
'I had no one to turn to' - Frank's Story
'I had no other life, nothing' - Roy's Story
