Carers Week: Wendy’s Story

When Wendy moved from Hong Kong to Sutton with her husband and parents, she quickly had to learn how to navigate the health system and empower her parents to gain confidence in daily life. 

“I moved from Hong Kong to Sutton with my parents and partner in 2023. We love Sutton and this location is good for them. They don’t drive and can barely walk, but here we have easy access to the High Street, supermarkets and all the necessities in life.

“In the first few months, I helped my parents to register with the GP and helped them to attend appointments in the hospital. I quickly saw the need for a community interpreter in some situations and decided to complete a Community Interpreting Level 3 Certification. During my studies, I volunteered my interpreting services and that’s how I came to facilitate the Council’s Carer and Dementia Strategy group with the Hong Kong community. 

“The act of taking care of family is ingrained in our culture: the Hong Kong community often sees it as their responsibility to take care of their family. For example, my mum would see it as taking care of her husband who has become a bit more frail. When I explained to her that she may be able to have some support if she needed to go out without dad, she would immediately refuse. 

“However, the concept of being a “Carer” has grown in recent years as our population has aged. Now, I can recognise that I am the Carer of my mum, and my mum is the Carer of my father. 

“During the Carer and Dementia Strategy group, I saw an opportunity to raise awareness of cultural differences and highlight needs that can be addressed over time, such as making it easier to access support and participate in the community. And to look at how we can use case studies and tailor information to show the Hong Kong community what support is available and encourage them to access it.

“For me, an example of growing equality for Carers is that my mum can now call the GP herself to make her own appointment. It’s progress, and as a Carer, it’s something I really want to see: it’s less reliance on me, and at the same time, they can gain confidence in daily life.

“As a community, we should stay open and listen to what is being offered to us, and share our views - everyone’s participation counts. The Carer role is being increasingly recognised and accepted, and I would strongly encourage the Hong Kong community to recognise this aspect and make use of the resources they can be offered.”

This Carers Week, Sutton Council is shining a spotlight on the diverse voices which have shaped Sutton’s new Carers Strategy. 

The Strategy will be launched at Sutton Carers Centre’s open house event at their new premises in Sutton Gate on Friday 13 June. For more information on Carers Week events, please visit the Sutton Carers Centre website.