One remarkable man from Leicester has come full circle after more than a decade of caring for his parents, now using his hard-won experience to support others on similar journeys.
Wayne Pearson, a devoted son and former unpaid carer, is now volunteering with Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s befriender service, offering a listening ear and much-needed companionship to fellow carers in need of support.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Carers
Wayne’s caregiving journey began in the 1990s, when he left full-time employment to care for his unwell father. With no formal training and few resources, Wayne learned on the job, navigating the complex and often overwhelming world of unpaid caregiving. After his father sadly passed away in hospital, Wayne returned to work while continuing to support his mum, who remained independent for many years.
In 2018, however, Wayne was once again stepped into the full-time caring role when his mother’s health began to decline. Balancing work and caregiving proved unsustainable, and he again gave up his job to be there for her.
Wayne reached out to Adult Social Care, who helped coordinate external support through a care agency. But the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges. Out of concern for his mother’s safety, Wayne suspended all outside help, taking on full responsibility himself. Socially isolated and emotionally exhausted, Wayne’s mental health began to suffer. He struggled with anxiety, depression, and financial stress.
That’s when Wayne discovered Leicester Carers Support Service, a lifeline for many local carers. Through their team, he learned about carer passports and received practical advice and emotional support. When his mother required a hospital stay, the service helped him through the discharge process and prepare the home for her return.
In 2024, as his mother reached her 100th birthday and became increasingly isolated, Wayne again turned to Leicester Carers Support Service for help accessing local day services. The following year, after his mother sadly passed away in October 2024, he was unsure where to turn.
“After so many years as a carer, I didn’t know what came next,” Wayne shared. “But the same support worker who had helped me before listened, comforted me, and pointed me in the right direction.”
The service referred Wayne to bereavement counselling, benefits advice, and the Moving Forward with Confidence project, which is designed to help former carers reconnect with their community.
He was also encouraged to join a weekly carers’ Zoom group, where he found solidarity and understanding from others who had walked a similar path.
Today, Wayne is giving back. As a volunteer befriender with Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Wayne now supports others who are caring for loved ones, offering guidance, empathy, and above all, someone who understands.
“My experience as an unpaid carer has had its highs and lows. Until you’ve lived it, you don’t truly understand the stresses unpaid carers face,” Wayne said. “Where do you turn to? Who do you speak to for help? It’s a minefield out there.”
“Knowing who you can turn to is vital. Having correct support services available is key in preventing carers from burning out and being unable to continue their roles. Services like Leicester Carers Support Service make a real difference.”
Wayne’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of unpaid carers and the power of community support. His story highlights the importance of accessible, compassionate services for those caring for loved ones and how lived experience can become a force for change.
