Carers Stories
Sharing stories of your caring role can be an important part of the journey for some Carers and can help other Carers in the process.
A Melodic Journey of Migrant Carers
Being a carer can be a daunting task, and as Asian migrant carers, the challenge is compounded by unfamiliarity with rules, cultures and language. It can be a lonely journey where there is no comprehensive guide, and discerning right from wrong becomes a self-directed effort.
Our daily routine centres around caring for our boy, Chapman, a joyful thirteen-year-old born blind with learning and speaking disabilities due to rare diseases. Despite facing numerous challenges, Chapman defies expectations and flourishes through his deep passion for piano music. With unwavering love and support, he achieved a remarkable Distinction in Grade 8 at the age of 11. Fueled by a resilient spirit, he’s now setting his sights on the performance grade exam.
In the last two years, our journey as new migrant carers has been a mix of highs and lows—stressful, chaotic, colourful, and more. It’s been a voyage of self-discovery, where we’ve crossed paths with amazing individuals and organisations ready to provide support. Observing the generosity of the human spirit has been truly inspiring. The support we’ve received from institutions like the Amber Trust, SENSE UK, RSBC, and Music for All has been invaluable. Our recent connection with the Wandsworth Carer Centre has opened up new opportunities for us. It allows us to exchange ideas, learn from fellow parents and caregivers, and build friendships with like-minded individuals. At the centre, we even had the pleasure of meeting a HongKonger fellow who has been in the UK for over 60 years, offering us a wealth of experiences and insights.There were moments when the stress and desperation seemed insurmountable as new migrant carers. Fortunately, we learned to connect with people instead of being miserable behind closed doors. It not only assisted us in finding the right solutions but also contributed to Chapman’s development through connections with people. Face challenges and find happiness in tough times – As a token of appreciation, we want to share with you Chapman’s vendition of “Chopin’s Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat Major, Op. 51.” Shown below.
Chopin made this music while he was staying at George Sand’s house in Nohant, France. The music has a mix of beautiful melodies, strong emotions, and impressive piano skills. The music goes from lively and energetic to thoughtful and introspective. It’s like a musical way of showing how life has both exciting moments and times when you need to think and be strong to overcome challenges. We chose this special piece, as it connects with our feelings and experiences. It tells a story about our strong will to face challenges and find happiness in tough times.
Dementia Carer
Carers journey
I signed up as a carer with the Wandsworth group in
November last year and underwent a face to face assessment
with Geogia Pollicot the lead professional in Dementia .
This resulted amongst other things in my attending the Sunflower
Cafe in Putney on a monthly basis ,firstly on my own, then latterly with my wife.
She is in the mid stages of Dementia having been diagnosed
in February 2018. We also attended a month course titled Mindfulness
and Dementia organised by Georgia earlier this year.
My responsibilities are considerable because my wife and I have a
fifty five year old daughter with severe learning difficulties who lives in
a supported living project locally and needs a lot of help with daily living
tasks.
Sometimes the stress levels are extremely high and they got to a point last year
where I had an acute reaction to the stresses and had to be hospitalised.
Since my recovery I have had a number of face to face consultations with
Georgia and she will always single me out for a chat if I haven’t spoken in
the carer s group at the Cafe and enquire as my health and well being.
Of course this was not possible following Lock down but I have stayed
in touch and joined the group via Zoom and Georgia her self via several
long phone calls.
Helpful though these have been I would say that they are not a substitute
for face to face or group contact I found the carers group hugely helpful.
Jaycee’s Poem
Jaycee La Bouche is a volunteer and Carer with Wandsworth Carers’ Centre. She is a beautiful public speaker and has performed a poem she wrote about her caring role; watch the video below.
If you would like to share your story, please email us at: Info@wandsworthcarers.org.uk
