#HumansCare | Support, Strength and New Possibilities, Varsha’s Story
For many unpaid family carers, everyday life can feel overwhelming. Caring for someone you love while trying to keep a household going, earn an income and manage your own well-being is a huge responsibility. For Varsha, an unpaid carer from Koppal district in Karnataka, that responsibility once felt almost impossible to carry.
Varsha cares for her husband, Girish, who has an intellectual disability. For years, she was his main source of support. The couple lived in a rented house, owned no agricultural land and depended on Girish’s small monthly disability pension. Varsha worked as a tailor and made jowar rotis, traditional Indian flatbreads, to earn extra money, but even with all her hard work, it was difficult to meet their basic needs.
The pressure became too much. Caring responsibilities, financial hardship and family conflict left Varsha feeling isolated and hopeless. In 2014, she attempted to end her life. It was a moment of deep crisis and a sign of just how urgently she needed support.
That support came when Varsha joined our Carers Project through our local charity partner, SAMUHA. She joined a Carers Group where for the first time, she met people who understood what she was going through. She received emotional support, practical advice and professional counselling, helping her rebuild her confidence and cope with the demands of caring for Girish.
The project also supported Girish to access treatment and help with his behavioural challenges. This made everyday life more manageable for both of them. At the same time, Varsha received livelihood support to strengthen her work in tailoring and roti-making, giving her a route towards a more stable income.
Rebuilding After Another Setback
When the second wave of COVID-19 hit, Varsha faced another huge challenge. Lockdowns closed hotels, cancelled weddings and stopped orders for her roti-making business. Tailoring work also disappeared. Once again, the family’s income became uncertain, and meeting daily needs became difficult.
A Change Felt Across The Whole Family
The impact has gone far beyond money. Varsha and Girish now live in their own home after relationships with their extended family improved. Girish has also become more independent. He helps with household tasks, buys ingredients and delivers orders to customers.
Varsha’s growing business is also helping other unpaid family carers. She regularly employs another unpaid carer to support her work, and during busy periods she hires two to three more carers, giving other carers the chance to earn an income while continuing their own caring responsibilities.
Championing Carers in Her Community
Today, Varsha is President of the Vishwachetana Carers Association in Koppal district. She speaks up for unpaid carers and works to improve the lives of others facing similar challenges. Her leadership and dedication have also been recognised by the Karnataka State Government, which selected her for the Best Carer Award, alongside ten other carers across the state, at the celebration marking the United Nations International Day of Care & Support last year.
“It has transformed my life. If I hadn’t received support through the project, I don’t think I would be here today.”
- Varsha
Varsha’s story shows what the right support can make possible. Our work, alongside our partner SAMUHA, did not just help her survive a crisis. It helped her rebuild her confidence, strengthen her livelihood, improve family life and become a leader for other carers in her community.
Looking ahead, Varsha hopes to open her own shop, creating a sustainable future for her family and more opportunities for unpaid carers around her. Her journey is a powerful reminder that when carers are supported, whole families and communities can thrive.
You can help more carers like Varsha.
Your support can provide unpaid family carers with emotional support, practical advice, counselling and livelihood opportunities, helping them build safer, more hopeful futures for themselves and the people they care for. Please consider supporting our work today and help more carers, families and communities thrive.
