Mum of disabled man praises lifeline charity choir

A mother who cares for her adult son has praised a charity and its community choir for offering her a "real lifeline".

For more than 10 years, on a Monday morning, Sue Morton has headed over from her home in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, to Northamptonshire Carers based in Wellingborough to sing with the choir.

While her 38-year-old son Lee, who has Down's syndrome, is in supported living, she said she still has the "continual stress and fear" of making sure he is getting the best care.

"[The choir] is a real lifeline for me to be able to come here and sing and forget about everything else," said Sue, 78.

"Negotiating for the right services and the right education for him has always been a roll-your-sleeves-up battle."

Sue is an unpaid carer, which is anyone who cares for a friend or relative who could not cope without their support, but does not receive a professional salary.

Sue's son has been competing in special needs gymnastics for 31 years, and she takes him to his weekly training and competitions.

Last month, Baroness Louise Casey, who is charged with reforming the social care system, said fundamental change was needed.

Sue added: "I'm well aware that adult social care is understaffed and stretched, but it seems to be financially driven rather than on the specific needs of the individual.

"I'm not always going to be here, and I would like the assurance that Lee's care would continue at this level when I'm not around, and unfortunately, I fear it won't."

Northamptonshire Carers is a countywide service offering a wide range of support and receives funding from both north and west Northamptonshire councils

Sarah Drage, the adult communities manager for Northamptonshire Carers, said the "biggest thing" carers were telling them was they needed more respite.

"Even if it's just a two-hour break, walking in a park or coming to a group, having a cup of tea, having a piece of cake, doing something normal for just an hour or two, is a break for a carer."

She said about 30-odd carers came for the choir and added: "But actually it's the social part that's more important than the singing. The singing is almost a by-product."

West Northamptonshire Council spends 38% of the authority's annual budget on adult social care.

In a statement, West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet member for adult social care, Laura Couse, said: "We understand how important it is for people and their families to have confidence in the care and support they receive.

"Our focus is on supporting people's wellbeing, independence and safety, working with individuals, carers and partners to make sure needs are properly assessed and reviewed and met in line with the Care Act 2014."

A government spokesperson said: "We are addressing the adult social care sector's urgent need for support with over £4.6bn funding available for adult social care in 2028-29 compared to 2025-26.

"We are committed to building a National Care Service and Casey's Independent Commission will deliver its phase one recommendations this year to address immediate priorities for adult social care."

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