I am writing in the latest Imago newsletter for carers. Recently I have been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to carers in the King's New Year Honours 2024. Those who know me will certainly know why I was awarded the medal. However, I should explain why I try so hard to include carers. From my own lived experience as a carer, it was many years before I knew what my role was. Once I was told I was a carer, then I felt supported, but at the same time, I was upset that it took so long.
To care for someone, unfortunately, is not enough. You have to be identified and supported as a carer. I know Imago is doing its best to identify and include carers. It is the only way forward, but as a carer, I have always felt that carers can also take the lead and engage with other carers.
There are many out there who do not know they are in a caring role. We cannot always wait for services to identify; we should try to form peer groups, network groups, and forums to help raise carer awareness. This is something I felt I missed out on while I was struggling to provide care. I just needed a place to belong, somewhere that I could have my needs put first.
Trying to develop a carer-led network is not for everyone, as many carers have to sacrifice so much to improve their loved one's quality of life, but for those who want to give it a try, it can be a rewarding experience.
I have set up many carers groups to help give carers a voice. You might see me at hospital sites speaking to those who are unaware of their caring role. There will be times I will travel to far locations to support a carer event that helps raise awareness. If I am not at the hospitals or community centres, then I am raising carer awareness by writing books. From my first book, "A Caring Mind", to my fifth book "The Poetry Book of Mental Health Caring", on carer poetry, I continue to do all I can to advocate what should be included in shaping health and social care systems.
We must be involved and help co-produce what is helpful for unpaid carers. There will be challenges and disagreements, but we will all benefit.
I will end my piece with a small poem.
Our Rights by Matthew McKenzie
It is our right to be identified
It is our right to be included
It is our right to be counted , not hidden, quiet and swept aside.
It is our right to be heard
and also, to be involved
It is our right to be supported , not told our views are absurd
It is our right to be involved
In our loved one’s care
It is our right to be told that our problems CAN be solved
It is our right for carers rights
It is our right to be valued
If you are a carer , Then, it is time for all to unite
