Referring to personal rather than professional experience in an application

[monkeywithacowface]

Is it always a no no? I generally try to avoid drawing on personal circumstances but in this instance it does have relevance (relates to understanding the needs of carers).

I do have some professional experience as well but wasn't sure if it would be helpful or not add a very brief sentence referencing the fact I have in the past been a carer myself?

I wouldn't add in a brief sentence but add an 'other relevant experience' subheading with overview and dates as you would employment or volunteer work