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Care competition launches in
Southport
A writing competition has launched for budding bards in
Southport aiming to get to the heart of what caring means to family, friends and
carers in the community.
The competition, launched by Carers UK and supported by Specsavers Healthcall,
is open to everyone and welcomes poems and short stories on all aspects of
caring; exploring the joys, challenges and complex emotions that come with
looking after a loved 1.
Zetunnisha Arif, director of Specsavers Healthcall in Southport, said:-
"We are proud to support the creative writing competition in Southport. In the
course of our visits to people who are being cared for in their homes or in care
homes around the local area, we hear a wide range of inspirational stories that
deserve to be heard. The competition acts as an ideal opportunity to celebrate
both the fantastic care available in the area and the experiences of those who
benefit from it."
Heléna Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, said:- "We have had an
overwhelming response to our Creative Writing Competition in recent years,
receiving hundreds of poems and short stories that reflect the true realities of
caring; resonating with all carers, no matter what their circumstances. Caring
is such an important part of life, yet too often it is a hidden issue;
something that happens behind closed doors. We hope that by reaching more
families through this year's Competition, carers will realise they are not alone
and that Carers UK is here for them with advice, information and support,
whenever they might need us."
Fiona Ritchie Walker won last year's creative writing competition for her poem
After diagnosis. When Fiona's husband David was diagnosed with a terminal lung
condition, Fiona became his full-time carer and their lives changed forever. Fiona said:- "I've always
loved writing but when David became ill, I put my writing on hold. David was my
priority. When I read about Carers UK's Creative Writing Competition, I decided
to give it a go. Writing the poem helped me to communicate what it was like to
be a carer and to identify the many good things in my life. I was really pleased
when I won the competition, but the main thing was that someone had read my poem,
1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for the competition stand to win a wealth of High
Street vouchers and for entries making the shortlist, an anthology will be
printed and sent back containing their work."
Entries can be submitted
online or sent in the post to:- Creative
writing competition, Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX. |
