Caring magazine 47 Caring November 2017 | Page 3

Welcome This issue of Caring is all about sharing our stories and experiences, to support each other and call for lasting change. I’ve been stunned yet again by the power of the stories told as part of our 2017 Creative Writing and Photography Competition. These profoundly moving words and images take us through the whole range of human emotions, and sometimes to its extremes. In our lead feature (pg 4–7) Carers UK members and poetry prize-winners Elizabeth Dunford and Margaret Wilmot tell a story of life not going to plan – of caring carrying them away from the trajectory they thought their life would take. Writing or talking about these moments can help us make sense of them. It was wonderful to share stories with many of you in person at the Member Conference in October, and at our recent Member Roadshow events. Along with our Nation Summits, Our mission is to make life better for carers: these events give us a chance to tell our own story as an organisation, reporting back to you about our progress together over the last year (pg 20–21) and setting our priorities for the year ahead. For Carers Rights Day on 24 November, we will be focusing more than ever on the power of sharing stories and information. This year’s theme is Make Connections, Get Support, and with that in mind, we’re asking members to say loud and clear that ‘We Care’ – sharing our stories throughout our networks and connecting carers together to build support in our local communities. Together we can improve understanding of caring and make sure none of us has to care alone. David Grayson – Chairman In this issue... 4-7 We give expert advice, information and support We connect carers so no one has to care alone We campaign together for lasting change We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers. JOIN US! To become a member of Carers UK T 020 7378 4997 E [email protected] KEEP IN TOUCH Carers UK 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX T 020 7378 4999 E [email protected] carersuk.org Carers Scotland T 0141 445 3070 E [email protected] carerscotland.org Carers Wales T 029 2081 1370 E [email protected] carerswales.org 13-16 24-25 The best laid plans Caring through a lens Ask the expert Photography 2017 poetry How do claims competition 2017 affect each other? competition winners Carers Northern Ireland T 028 9043 9843 E [email protected] carersni.org Carers UK Adviceline T 0808 808 7777 E [email protected] Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097). Registered office: 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX. © Carers UK October 2017 3