Art work created by caring creative writers presented to Trust Board

A group of carers turned writers have presented a piece of art to the Board of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust which will go on display at the Trust’s headquarters in Antrim.

The creative writing group was formed in January 2021 and led by facilitator Shelley Tracey.

Since then, Shelley has continued to offer support to the 15 women, all of whom have caring responsibilities, through group work and individual mentoring to hone and develop their creative writing skills.

Shelley said: “It has been a privilege and a delight to work with these women who have taken part in the writing group over the last few years.

“They have produced many pieces of writing, some of which focus on caring while others examine the different aspects of carers’ lives.

“It has been a fantastic opportunity for these women to come together, to share their experiences, and to feel that they are not alone, because being a carer can be a very lonely and isolating experience.”

Mandy, a carer and member of the writing group who attended the Trust’s recent Board meeting, said: “We are more than just carers, we are writers. This project has allowed us to come together, to share experiences and help others, and to take some time out to write and to think.

“It’s been really therapeutic. Writing has given us an identity and purpose outside of caring.”

Group member Suzy added: “It has helped us connect and have a bit of fun at the same time. We are sharing our journey and have shared so much of ourselves with each other.”

At one of their writing sessions, the women each brought along a piece of fabric that held some meaning for them, and working with local textile artist Heather Douglas, they created an art piece which they presented to members of the Northern Trust’s Board at its meeting last month.

Chair of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust Board, Anne O’Reilly, said the role of carers was “invaluable”.

“There are hundreds of family and unpaid carers living across our Trust who play an invaluable role in our community, caring for and supporting loved ones and family members,” said Ms O’Reilly.

“As Board members, we do not underestimate the role and impact they have, and so it’s important that as a Trust, we are doing all we can to care for the carers, and ensure they have access to support and resources.

“It’s also important for us to hear about the impact that initiatives like the writing group has had; through bringing together carers who are all on their own journey, facing their own ups and downs, the group has created a safe space for people who share a similar lived experience, allowing them to feel seen and heard and, importantly, know that they are not alone.

“I’m really pleased that as a Trust, we have been able to support this initiative. We have given a commitment to bring a particular focus to carers as part of our Corporate Plan and, as part of that, the Chief Executive and I meet regularly with unpaid family carers, including young carers, to better understand how we can meet their needs.”