Meet Millie Taff, Carers Lead for Reading

From personal experience to strategic leadership. Meet Millie Taff, Reading Borough Council’s new Carers Lead.
Millie took up her new role on March 31.

As Carers Lead for Reading Borough Council, I am responsible for delivering our Joint All-age Carers Strategy and Action plan, writes Millie Taff. The aim of my role is to ensure that the needs of unpaid carers in Reading are understood, supported, and prioritised as well as promoting the mental and physical wellbeing of carers within the community.

I was drawn to this position because of my personal experience as a carer. Having grown up alongside my two brothers, both with autism, I witnessed the challenges (and successes!) of life with neurodiversity.

Then, at the age of 17, I became a full-time carer for my Mum following a severe stroke. This life-changing experience has deeply influenced my understanding of the challenges that carers face, and it is my goal to use this insight to support others in similar situations. My personal experience of becoming a carer at a young age equips me with a unique perspective on the importance of providing practical and emotional support to carers.

In addition to my lived experience, my professional experience from my time working in the NHS in a clinical role has given me firsthand knowledge of both the cared-for individuals and carers themselves. I will use this insight to work with primary and secondary health care services to ensure support is given to carers wherever they access services.

One of my key objectives in this role is to raise awareness of carers’ rights across the council, ensuring that carers’ wellbeing is prioritised in all areas of service delivery.

By promoting an understanding of the vital role carers play, I hope to foster a culture of respect and support that empowers carers to thrive. Ultimately, my goal is to implement the Carers Strategy and Action Plan in a way that leads to tangible improvements in the lives of carers in Reading, ensuring they receive the recognition, resources, and care they deserve.

In my spare time I can often be found digging in my two allotment plots where I grow vegetables, fruit and flowers. It is hard work, but nothing is more rewarding than eating a meal that you have nurtured and grown from seed. I am also a huge Formula 1 fan so spend race weekends cheering on McLaren!