Support for Carers Event
‘Working Together to Support Carers’ was the message that ran through the production of ‘My Life as a Carer’ in Perth Concert Hall and Birnam Institute in June when over ninety delegates from the private, statutory and voluntary sectors gathered to explore how Perth & Kinross could improve support for unpaid carers in education or employment.
The event was organised by The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre Perth & Kinross as part of Carers Week.
Delegates watched as a series of hard-hitting scenarios presented by Perth-based Foxtrot Theatre Company unfolded. |
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The production explored the pressures faced by employees whose jobs were under threat because of demanding caring commitments at home. Script writer Maggie Morgan directed the action and facilitated lively debate around employment issues such as flexible working for carers.
The scenarios also explored the practical issues of supporting carers and their families living within rural areas and the complex issues surrounding young carers. 14-year old schoolgirl, Tracy, played by actress Irene Allan, challenged audiences to face up to the reality of a young carer’s life, highlighting the pressures and emotional strains.
Factual Scenarios
Trina Crichton, event organiser and carers support worker with The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre, told Comment: “We are delighted with the success of this event. Forum theatre has the unique ability to draw audiences into a virtual reality that can then be played around with and explored. All of the scenarios presented were based on fact.
“These are real situations, involving real people. The scenarios brought carers’ issues to life and I hope that delegates have benefited from a glance into what could, one day, become their own reality”.
The event targeted employers across all sectors, giving practical advice on supporting carers in employment. Organisations such as City & Guilds have already been proactive in developing support for carers. Robert Bruce (Manager, Scotland) from City & Guilds attended the event and commented: “The theatre production was a hugely worthwhile exercise. Often, we remember the needs of the cared-for, but don’t think enough about their carers. City & Guilds have recognised this need and have developed a personal development and learning programme to help unpaid carers think about returning to work or education.”
Improved Support
“An event like this can only lead to improved support for carers within our community. It was innovative and thought-provoking, and there were several professionals on-hand to offer advice. I only wish that more employers had taken up this opportunity to learn of the many issues that carers in employment can have, and of the support that can be made available.”
Margaret Jackson, Carers Support Manager, stressed need for collaborative working across all sectors. Margaret said “No organisation works alone in this process. We need to network, find out what support is out there and pass it on to others.
“Our partners, NHS Tayside and Perth & Kinross Council have shown strong support for this event and we are grateful to all, including The Gannochy Trust for enabling us to demonstrate how important it is for each sector to help carers. We hope that this theatre production will be carried forward in the same way by other carers’ organisations across the UK”.
The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre is based in The Gateway, North Methven Street, Perth, and can offer advice on supporting carers to individuals or organisations.
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