In the lead up to Carers Week, carers were invited to participate in photography workshops with our very own Carer Support Worker Louise Kennedy who studied photography and does a lot of photography in her spare time. They learnt lots of tips to help them to take a really good snap, as well as considering how a photo can tell a story.
Carers were then invited to submit images in response to any of the following words: ‘Escapism’ ‘Pressure’ ‘Time’ ‘Self-care’.
The following is a selection of the images that were submitted. Hover over the image to read a descriptive caption and click into the image to take a closer look at the photograph. If you would like to see these photos in person, they can be seen at The Fraser Centre in Tranent where they will hang for the duration of Carers Week 10th – 16th June 2024.
The carer who submitted these photographs responded to the words ‘escapism’ and ‘self-care’. Spending time in nature, spotting wildlife and getting outdoors is how he looks after his health and wellbeing.
I’m Liz. Being identified is kind of like normalising caring and reducing the mystique about who is a career I think – emphasising how common it is and how often it’s not a conscious choice, it’s just something you find yourself doing!
I cared for my Mum who was in her 90’s and had a variety of needs on account of multiple physical health problems, mobility issues and latterly dementia. Also have a caring role with my daughter who has a severe long-standing skin condition and was diagnosed with MS during the pandemic. She strives to continue working, but she faces daily challenges which can become too much for her – and me too, but we’re in it together!
Earl grey tea and a ‘ Yorkshire rascal’ – not just a cuppa and a digestive! Photo submitted by Liz in response to Self care
When the colour goes and there’s just too much to do! Photo submitted by Liz in response to the word time
Pristine and presentable on the outside – STAND BACK! steam building up on the inside. Photo submitted by Liz in response to the word pressure
Look up! the sky is always there. Photo submitted by Liz in response to the word escapismPhotos submitted by Urszula Sagalara in response to the words ‘time’ and ‘escapism’.
Photos submitted by Emilie in response to the words ‘escapism’ and ‘time’.
It is important to take time out, to recharge, to ‘escape’, even for a few minutes makes all the difference.
Photo submitted by Emilie in response to the word Escapism.
Sometimes we have to take the time to look at what is right in front of us, as beauty can be found anywhere. Photo submitted by Emilie in response to the word time.Photos submitted by Elayne.
Working from home, juggling my caring and my working at the same time.
In response to the word ‘pressure’.
At the east end of Tranent stands our gateway to APOGI (an acronym for A Place of Great Importance – the place of great importance being our park and community garden space). Each cairn is filled with tallies. Tallies were originally given to miners as a record of who was down the pits. For the project in Tranent, residents have taken a tally and submitted a story from their own personal history. A snapshot of the people of Tranent.” Photo in response to the word ‘Time’.
I would often sit here and enjoy this space off Goatfell on Arran. For me this is relaxing and escaping.
Photo in response to the word ‘Escapism’.Photos submitted by Joyce:
I find sitting in nature really calming, it doesn’t matter the weather & we love exploring different places, near and far. The photos bring back so many memories of trips out and about with Greg. He had multiple disabilities and was a wheelchair user, but we took him everywhere with us, he loved a road trip & sharing hotel rooms and we were very used to making things accessible for him. I can look at them all without crying now, they make me smile, maybe sadly but still a smile. He loved the sound of the birds in a garden and the feel of the wind on his face and the sunshine bringing warmth.
The more I speak about Greg, the more he is remembered, and his life carries on – he is my angel, sleeping, quiet and peaceful.
Being in nature has helped me with my grief so much – I go for a mindful walk each morning, Dunbar is lovely for that, can walk for miles without having to speak to anyone.
I also care for my adult daughter who is visually impaired and we like going out together where I can describe the sights and it makes me more aware of how things are when I try to describe them, makes you really look closely. Nature is amazing, so specialised that you can believe everything is designed and fits with everything else in the entire universe, all part of a grand plan – maybe.
