Kaddy Thomas, Founder of Carers Collective—a coaching and support organisation for unpaid carers—is turning her personal caring journey into a mission to empower others across the UK.
When my son Elijah suffered a traumatic brain injury at just 18 months old, life changed overnight. Suddenly, I became more than just a mother – I was thrust into the world of complex medical care, constant advocacy, and the relentless, emotional weight of being an unpaid carer. Now, years later, I’m the founder of Carers Collective, and I’m using everything I’ve learned to uplift and support others who are walking a similar path.
Caring for Elijah had its challenges. His needs are round-the-clock and complex, requiring a large team of health professionals. I quickly realised that to truly advocate for him and manage his care effectively, I needed to become a better communicator, manager, and leader. That’s when I turned to coaching – and it changed everything.
Coaching gave me the space to process, plan, and grow. I learned how to lead meetings with professionals confidently, ask the right questions, and navigate the health and care systems with purpose. More importantly, it helped me regain a sense of identity outside of caring. I became more resilient, more balanced, and more hopeful. The transformation was so impactful that I knew I had to share it.
That’s why I launched Carers Collective – offering coaching support to unpaid carers, with both fully funded and affordable options. Our mission is simple: to empower carers with the same tools and confidence that helped me. Because when carers are supported, those they care for benefit too.
Right now, Carers Collective is delivering a fully funded six-week coaching programme specifically for carers. It’s designed to build leadership, improve communication, reduce burnout, and help carers reclaim their voice. We work with carers from all walks of life, many juggling work, family, and personal sacrifices and all deserving of the support that coaching can offer.
This Carers Week, the theme ‘Caring About Equality’ couldn’t be more relevant. Unpaid carers face deep inequalities with a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, and both mental and physical health challenges. Many sacrifice education, career progression, or personal ambitions because the systems around them fail to offer proper support.
We want to change that narrative!
As part of our Carers Week celebration, Carers Collective is hosting a series of Afternoon Teas in partnership with Ajuda Foundation, North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together, Children’s Hospice Southwest, The Invisible Army and Our Altered Life. These events are about connection, appreciation, and fundraising and are a chance for you to take some time out and enjoy good company and food whilst supporting worthwhile causes. Every ticket sold supports our coaching programme and the work of the partnering organisation. For those who can’t attend, we invite you to “pay it forward” by donating the cost of a ticket, giving a carer the chance to join in.
You can book here – please put PIF after your name if you are gifting a ticket to a carer and we’ll do the rest: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/carers-collective-109312451081
We’re also calling on employers. Many carers are balancing demanding jobs alongside their caring responsibilities. With the right support, like our coaching, these individuals don’t just survive, they thrive. We want to work with corporate partners to help carers on their teams find that balance and begin to close that inequality gap
I’m also available to speak at events and in corporate settings, to share my story and shine a light on the lived experience of carers. My hope is that through awareness and action, we can create a culture where carers are seen, heard, and supported.
Carers deserve more than just recognition. They deserve empowerment.
And at Carers Collective, that’s exactly what we’re here to provide.
