Who Cares for the Carers?
Helen Dowse Shares Why No Unpaid Carer Should Feel Alone
Published: 23/08/2026
Welcome to the First Episode
Every day, thousands of people across Wiltshire quietly dedicate their lives to caring for someone they love.
They're husbands and wives, sons and daughters, neighbours and friends. They don't clock in or out, they don't receive a wage, and many don't even realise they have a title.
They're unpaid carers.
For the very first guest episode of The Community Sofa, we were honoured to welcome Helen Dowse, Salisbury's Carer's Champion, to discuss the incredible work she does supporting unpaid carers and raising awareness of the help available throughout our community.
;)
A Conversation Every Family Should Hear
Helen's passion for supporting unpaid carers began unexpectedly.
After retiring from Salisbury District Hospital, she volunteered on hospital wards and in the discharge lounge, where patients and their families would regularly ask questions such as:
"How do I claim Attendance Allowance?"
"Where can I find help after my husband has had a stroke?"
"Who can support us now we're back home?"
Helen didn't always know the answers, but she made it her mission to find them.
That journey eventually led her to become Salisbury's Carers Champion, a voluntary role dedicated to helping unpaid carers access the advice, support and services they deserve.
You Don't Have to Do It Alone
Throughout the episode, Helen shared just how many organisations are working tirelessly across Wiltshire to support carers and their families.
Whether you need emotional support, practical advice, financial guidance or information about a specific condition, there is help available.
We discussed topics including:
- Carer's Allowance and Attendance Allowance.
- Support for people living with dementia, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis.
- Stroke recovery services.
- Wiltshire Council Adult Social Care.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- Lasting Power of Attorney.
- Local community organisations dedicated to supporting carers.
One of the strongest messages Helen shared was simple but powerful:
Please don't wait until you're struggling before asking for help.
Support is available, and no one should feel they have to navigate caring alone.
;)
“Support is there. You don't have to know all the answers, you just need to know where to ask.”
– Helen Dowse | Carer's Champion
Helpful Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Helen recommended the following organisations and resources:
- Carers Together Wiltshire
- Carer's Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Wiltshire Parent Carer Council
- Stroke Association
- MS Society
- BSW Community Services
- Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB)
- Wiltshire Council Adult Social Care
- Care Choices Wiltshire
- Parkinson's UK
- Carer Friendly Wiltshire
- Alzheimer's Society
- NHS Continuing Healthcare
- Lasting Power of Attorney
;)
Listen to the Full Conversation
Helen's warmth, experience and passion shine throughout this conversation, making it essential listening for anyone caring for a loved one or supporting someone who is.
Whether you're already an unpaid carer or simply want to understand how you can better support a family member or friend, this episode is packed with practical advice and reassurance.
🎙️ Watch or listen to the full episode of The Community Sofa featuring Helen Dowse on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.