Health Minister launches Carers’ Collective Creations

Health Minister Robin Swann has launched a unique collection of creative stories produced by informal family carers from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The Carers’ Collective Creations are the personal stories of seven carers told through illustrations and creative writing.  The stories describe how their caring role has shaped their lives and the impact of caring during the COVID-19 pandemic.  They also offer support to those who are starting out on their caring journey.

The stories are a result of a successful journaling class offered as part of the Northern Trust Carer Support Programme.  Participants developed their creative writing skills and wrote the stories together, benefitting from new friendships, a sense of connection and community.

In launching the Carers’ Collective Creations during Carers Week (9-11 June), Minister Robin Swann said,

“The role of carers within society has been brought into sharp focus during this pandemic. Carers are an integral part of our communities and it’s important that we do what we can to support them. I want to put on record my deep appreciation to all carers for their unending dedication to their loved ones especially during the course of the pandemic.

“I also want to pay tribute to the carers within the Northern Trust who have contributed to the Carers’ Collective Creations. Your stories are truly inspirational and I am in no doubt they will offer great encouragement for other carers.”

Many carers have expressed their gratitude for the support received through the Northern Trust Carer Support Programme.  One carer has said,

“The support of the carer meet-ups and courses has become essential in my life.  It is a chance to do something for myself.”

At the launch, Northern Trust Chief Executive, Jennifer Welsh highlighted the enormous contribution by informal carers. She said,

“Through these creative poems and stories, we realise and recognise all that carers do.  Carers make an enormous contribution to our health and care system and to our society, and the selfless way that they provide care and support of all kinds to their friends and relatives deserves special appreciation.

“Thank you to everyone involved in creating this wonderful resource, it will not only offer other carers the chance to relate to and benefit from the stories, but will be of great value to a wider audience.”

The Northern Trust Carer Hub is available to all unpaid, informal carers in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area.  If you wish to avail of the support and opportunities offered, please contact the Hub on 028 2766 1210 or email carer.hub@northerntrust.hscni.net.  The Hub is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.  More information is available at: www.northerntrust.hscni.net/carerhub.

9th June 2021