The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) is hosting guest presenter David Cooper, an experienced relationship counsellor, to speak on the topic “Setting Boundaries With Those We Love” on Wednesday, 4 February.
In the UK, around five million people currently provide unpaid care for older or disabled relatives, many of whom are looking after a parent. While caregiving can bring families closer, it can also strain relationships, especially when roles are not clearly understood
or boundaries are blurred.
When caring for loved ones, particularly parents or close relatives, it is easy to put their needs ahead of our own. While this may come from a place of love and duty, it can lead to exhaustion, frustration, or even resentment over time. This is why learning to set healthy boundaries is not selfish – it is essential.
A UK-based survey by the Carers Trust found that 64% of adult carers reported that their mental health had suffered due to their caring responsibilities. Many struggled with guilt when saying no or taking time for themselves. However, without clear limits, relationships can become strained or codependent.
What does setting boundaries look like?
• Allocating specific days or times for caregiving
• Saying no to tasks that are unsafe or beyond your capacity
• Asking for help from other family members or professional services
• Being honest about your emotional and physical limits
Research from relationship counselling experts at Relate suggests that open communication around boundaries improves family harmony and individual wellbeing. It also helps to model healthy behaviour for future generations.
You can tune in to the EIC’s February Wellbeing Talk here.
For further information, please contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly:
The Fundraising Team
020 3696 1710
fundraising@electricalcharity.org
