Reads
Free, plain-English reads on care, health, and wellbeing — general information to help you understand a topic. Read at your own pace; there's nothing to enrol in or pass.
Understanding Diabetes: a carer's plain guide
A clear, friendly guide to diabetes for carers and families — what it is, the signs to watch for, what a "hypo" and a "hyper" are, and how to help safely without ever stepping outside your role.
Understanding Heart Disease: a carer's plain guide
A clear, friendly guide to heart disease for carers and families — what it is, the difference between angina and a heart attack, the warning signs that mean call 999, and how to support someone safely day to day.
Understanding High Blood Pressure: a carer's plain guide
High blood pressure is common, serious, and usually silent. A clear guide for carers and families to what it is, why it matters, and the simple, everyday ways you can help.
Understanding Stroke: a carer's plain guide
A clear, friendly guide to stroke for carers and families — the FAST signs that mean call 999 now, why even one sign matters, and how to support someone's recovery afterwards.
Understanding COPD: a carer's plain guide
A clear, friendly guide to COPD for carers and families — what it is, how to spot a flare-up, simple things that genuinely help with breathlessness, and where the carer's role begins and ends.
Understanding Asthma: a carer's quick, plain guide
A short, clear guide to asthma for carers and families — what it is, the signs of an asthma attack, and the one thing you most need to know to help in an emergency.
Supporting Someone With Dementia: a carer's plain guide to day-to-day life
A warm, practical guide to supporting someone with dementia day to day — how to communicate, understand behaviour, help them stay independent, and where to get support for both of you.
Understanding Parkinson's: a carer's plain guide
A clear, friendly guide to Parkinson's for carers and families — what it is, the movement and mood symptoms, why on-time medication matters so much, and how to support someone well.
Understanding Arthritis: a carer's plain guide
A clear, friendly guide to arthritis for carers and families — what it is, the difference between the common types, and the everyday support that helps someone stay active, comfortable, and independent.
Understanding Osteoporosis: a carer's plain guide to protecting fragile bones
Osteoporosis makes bones fragile and easy to break — but a carer can do a lot to help. A plain guide to the condition, and the practical ways you can protect someone's bones and prevent falls.
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: a carer's plain guide
A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease sounds alarming, but for most people it's manageable. A calm, clear guide for carers and families to what it means and how to help.
Understanding Epilepsy: a carer's plain guide to seizures
A clear, calm guide to epilepsy for carers and families — what a seizure looks like, what to do and what never to do, and exactly when a seizure becomes a 999 emergency.
Supporting Someone Through Cancer Treatment: a carer's plain guide
Supporting someone through cancer treatment is part practical, part emotional, and part knowing when something needs urgent help. A clear, caring guide to being there well — and safely.