To mark Carers Week, we're proud to share a personal story from our Ambassador, Amy, about her experience of helping to care for her grandad.

Many of the girls in our network have caring responsibilities of some sort, often balancing school or work, friendships and their ambitions for the future alongside caring for family members. This week, and throughout the year, we recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution they make, alongside the millions of unpaid carers across the UK who give their time, energy and care so generously to support the people they love.

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Hi, I'm Amy, and I'm a Girls' Network Ambassador. I work as a chef. A big part of my life outside of work is helping to care for my grandad and supporting my family.

My grandad is 92 years old. He was born and raised in Liverpool before moving to Eastbourne when he was around 40. My nan passed away eight years ago, and since then life has changed significantly for him.

He now lives in an independent living community for people aged over 65. The site is warden-controlled, which gives him extra support while allowing him to maintain his independence. Although he doesn't enjoy living on his own, he is very clear that he doesn't want to move into a nursing home, so staying where he feels comfortable is important to him.

My grandad has Alzheimer's disease, so caring for him is a shared responsibility across our family. Alongside his paid carers, my mum, dad, sister and I all play a part in supporting him. I usually visit on Thursdays and Fridays around my work shifts.

One of the things we do is take him to get his newspaper each day. However, because of his Alzheimer's, he would sometimes forget and go back out later to buy another copy.

To help with this, we started leaving notes around his flat to remind him that he already had his paper and that there was a sandwich waiting for him in the fridge. It's a small thing, but it helps him stay independent while giving us peace of mind.

Together, we help with shopping, preparing meals, making sure he eats and drinks regularly, helping him get dressed, attending GP appointments, and supporting him with household tasks such as laundry and cleaning.

One thing I struggle with is guilt. If I've had a busy week and don't get the chance to see him, I know he'll miss having family around. He used to attend a local coffee morning, but over time he became less interested in going and preferred spending time with us instead.

Sometimes he'll say he's feeling tired or not quite himself, but when someone visits or takes him out, his mood often improves straight away. It reminds me how difficult loneliness can be, particularly for older people who have lost a partner after spending so many years together.

These days, you'll usually find him watching Antiques Roadshow, House Hunters and similar programmes on TV. He loves anything to do with homes, history or antiques. He used to play golf regularly, but that's something he can no longer do. I think losing those hobbies has been hard for him at times, which is why he values family visits so much. Having people around gives him something to look forward to.

This year would have marked 60 years of marriage for my grandparents. They shared over 50 years together, so it's understandable that he still misses having that constant companionship in his life.

He can be a bit of a drama queen at times, which always makes us laugh, but I love him to bits and wouldn't change him for the world.

Balancing work and caring responsibilities can sometimes be challenging, but it has taught me a lot about patience, responsibility, and the importance of showing up for the people you love. I have an understanding workplace that has been really supportive in ensuring I can take care of my grandad when needed.

While caring can be demanding, it's also rewarding to know that we're helping him remain safe, supported and living independently in a place he calls home.

According to Carers UK:

There are 5.8 million people in the UK caring for a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, older or disabled, and many find the impact of caring on their health, finances and employment opportunities a challenge.

Unpaid carers save the UK economy an estimated £184 billion each year – the equivalent of a second NHS – but not everyone gets the support they need. Carers UK research shows that more than half (57%) of carers feel overwhelmed 'often' or 'always'.

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We're incredibly grateful to Amy for sharing her story so openly and honestly. Alongside working full-time in a demanding role as a chef, she clearly plays an important part in helping her grandad remain safe, supported and independent. Amy's story is a powerful reminder of the difference carers make every day, and we're proud to celebrate her and all those who provide care for others.