In a poignant new film produced by Swindon Carers Centre, three individuals share their experiences of life as unpaid carers, aiming to shed light on the realities faced by those who support loved ones without financial compensation.
The film, Unpaid Carers in Swindon: Their Stories, is to be released during Carers Week (June 10th-16th), a national initiative to raise awareness about unpaid carers.
Sheri Miller, Amna Naqvi, and Ian Dallow, all residents of Swindon and registered with Swindon Carers Centre, feature in the film. They candidly discuss their challenges and the support they receive from the Centre, offering valuable insights and tips for coping with the demands of caregiving.
Sheri, 26, juggles a full-time job in sales support while caring for her parents, both of whom have serious health conditions. Sheri began her caregiving journey at the tender age of four. She remarks, “Caring became an integral part of my life – I didn’t know any different. I’ve been very fortunate to have very supportive workplaces. I have my phone on me constantly if there’s an emergency or a family member has a doctor’s appointment I need to be at.”
Amna, 45, is a parent carer for her 17-year-old son Haris, who has multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Global Development Delay, and visual impairment. Reflecting on her experience, Amna says, “Being a carer is very exhausting and very challenging but, at the same time, it’s very rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Ian, 62, cares for his wife, Lorraine, who is 63 and has young onset Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia. Ian shares, “It was quite difficult making the transition to being a carer because it was a bit of an unknown. It can also be quite lonely as a carer if you are only with each other’s company. I’ve made friends with other carers and peer support is valuable – it’s reassuring to know you are not alone.”
Susanna Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Swindon Carers Centre, expressed her gratitude to Sheri, Amna, and Ian for sharing their experiences: “Thank you to Sheri, Amna and Ian for sharing their experiences with us. If unpaid carers did not carry out the roles they do, the cost to health and social care services would be huge. It’s vital carers are valued and supported and Swindon Carers Centre is here to ensure no-one has to go through their caring journey on their own.”
The film, Unpaid Carers in Swindon: Their Stories.
Swindon Carers Centre, a charity dedicated to supporting unpaid carers, has seen a 12% increase in registrations in 2023/24, bringing the total to 5,524. The charity receives 75% of its funding from statutory sources, with additional income from grants and community fundraising, which support essential services such as benefit advice, one-on-one support, and respite activities.
For those wishing to support the charity, an online raffle is open until June 20th. Tickets cost £1 each, with prizes donated by local businesses including Arkell’s Brewery, Bert’s Books, Barnes Coaches, Blunsdon House Hotel, Delta Tennis Centre, Essential Vehicle Services, Oink Gallery, and Swindon Town Football Club. To enter the raffle, visit Swindon Carers Centre Raffle.
Additionally, Swindon Carers Centre is hosting a “Walk a Mile” event for carers and supporters on Saturday, June 15th. The walk starts and finishes at the Swindon Hub, The Parade, Swindon, SN1 1BA. Registration is from 10.30am, with the walk commencing at 11am. Participation is free.
