BUILDING for the Future, a Berkshire-based charity supporting disabled children and their families, has released a new episode of its podcast ‘Let’s Take Care’, featuring an in-depth conversation with Sir Ed Davey.
Sir Ed, leader of the Liberal Democrat Party is also a parent carer to his disabled son.
In this most recent episode, he has a candid discussion with hosts Jane Holmes, CEO of Building for the Future, and Melissa Paulden, who are themselves mothers of physically disabled and “utterly brilliant” children.
“Earlier this year we released a podcast called Let’s Take Care, which aims to raise the profile of parent carers of children with disabilities and highlight the realities: the struggles and the joys of raising children with additional needs,” said Melissa.
“We were lucky enough to have Sir Ed Davey join us on our latest episode (out yesterday) and he was very open and honest about his views on the state of the nation today regarding carers and what needs to change.
“Whether you’re a carer or not it’s an inspirational listen and an episode that shows that things could change for the better for this part of the disability community.”
In the podcast, the Lib Dem leader opens up about the daily realities of caring for his son and the policy changes needed to support the millions of British parent carers of disabled children and young people.
Sir Ed, who was also a young carer to his late mother and then for his grandmother, spoke about the ‘invisible load’ that comes with long-term caring, from constant advocacy battles to the emotional toll of watching loved ones struggle.
“I think if we recognize carers properly, you know, strategically and systematically, and built up from carers rather than building down, it would dramatically change things,” he said in the episode.
“I mean, in such a powerful way, it would help the health service, it would help local authorities if they just recognised carers.
“It’s a madness that they don’t, frankly.”
The episode discusses a range of related topics, including the strengths and employability of carers who often develop exceptional resilience, empathy, and time management.
“Carers are overwhelmed, exhausted and yet incredibly capable,” said Melissa Paulden.
“Sir Ed helped shine a light on the emotional and practical reality of what caring looks like: the joy, the trauma, the constant fight.”
Ed explains why, in his view, the current Carer’s Allowance system fails families, acting as a “disincentive to work” and pushing carers into financial hardship.
The conversation also addresses the practical improvements that Sir Ed wants to see: earlier identification of carers, real respite care to support both the parents’ wellbeing and prepare disabled children for their future, and earlier, more strategic investment from local authorities to avoid costly long-term placements.
“Families repeatedly tell us they feel forgotten by the system,” said Jane, “especially before diagnosis, when support is almost impossible to access.
“This episode shows that even someone at the heart of politics faces the same battles. “Carers need recognition, early intervention and real investment.”
The episode is available now on a range of platforms including Spotify, Audible, and Apple Podcasts.
For more information, visit: bftf.org.uk
