James Townsend is the co-founder and CEO of Mobilise, an online community supporting thousands of carers across the UK. MS has been a constant presence in James's life since childhood, so we spoke to him about what inspired him to create this important community.
An early introduction to MS
My name is James, and I'm the co-founder and CEO of Mobilise. But more importantly, I'm the son of my mum, who was diagnosed with MS when I was about six. So, MS has been a part of my life for a long time.
I was six when mum was diagnosed, so I don’t remember much about it. The little bit I do remember is that it was perceived to be a big deal, and was given the Kids Guide to MS booklet from the MS Trust with cartoon characters explaining MS. After that conversation the family just got on with life. My mum's personality played a big role in this; she remained extremely active and made the most of what she could do. We supported her in that.
Growing up with MS in your household
There were few specific moments I can point to and say, that was because of MS. Families are messy and complicated, and these things bleed into one another. In our household we regularly discussed planning ahead and we also confronted difficult conversations.
When I was younger, I tried harder to second-guess how my mum was coping and what she needed from me.
But nowadays, I approach it differently. I’m informed by the carers I talk to through Mobilise. It's important to let mum be in control of her situation and ask for help when she needs it. It’s crucial to give mum the space to be a mother as well as someone with MS. Family dynamics can be complicated, and it's important to maintain that balance.
Mobilise: uniting and equipping carers
The lack of readily available support and information for carers spurred me on to create Mobilise. I was frustrated that we had to figure things out from scratch. Mobilise's core mission is to "Connect people and mobilise the knowledge, wisdom, and expertise of thousands of carers." The platform offers a range of resources, including a forum, blogs, tools, and emotional support. Talking to someone who understands your situation can be a real game-changer.
Caring roles can be hugely isolating, so being surrounded by people going through the same thing is vital.
Who can join Mobilise?
Mobilise is not exclusively for those who identify as full-time carers. You don't have to identify as a carer with a capital C.
Caring responsibilities can be light-touch or periodic. We want to support the full range of carers, providing confidence and support at any stage of the caring journey.
This inclusive approach ensures that anyone with caregiving responsibilities, regardless of intensity, can find a supportive home within the Mobilise community.
James’s tips for carers
- Focus on what is good enough. Caring is messy and complex, so prioritise what's important and let other things slide.
- Be specific when asking friends for help.
- Write down questions before speaking to professionals to ensure you get what you need from the conversation.
To learn more, visit mobiliseonline.co.uk or download the Mobilise app from your preferred app store.
