In this episode, Kate speaks with author Penny Wincer a bout her book 'Tender - The Imperfect Art of Caring.' Penny's story of being a young carer for her mother which comes full circle to finding herself as carer for her son, who has Autism is moving and stirring and throws a light on othering in an ableist society, articulates the struggle of finding help as a carer and raises important questions about how we can support carers. 

As carers we have extra weight on our shoulders and that can accelerate a problematic relationship with alcohol, as we try to cope with overwhelm, lack of support and isolation. Here we chat about the gifts and challenges of caring and how to build support and find support and why it takes a village. 

Trigger warning: In this episode we discuss death by suicide. Please take care of yourself if you listen to media by respecting your boundaries around subjects you may find upsetting or triggering. 

Writer, podcaster and photographer, Penny Wincer.

 www.pennywincerwrites.com

Instagram: @pennywincer

Twitter:@pennywincer

Podcast: Not Too Busy To Write

Tender: The imperfect art of caring is out now