Caring Craftivists

Textile art and unpaid care, with Cas Holmes

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we welcome Cas Holmes, an accomplished artist and author, who shares her unique perspective on the intersection of art and caring. We delve into the creative process behind her latest work, which repurposes an old duster, symbolising resilience and the intricate nature of care. Cas discusses how her artistic practice has evolved in tandem with her role as an unpaid carer for her partner, Derek, a stroke survivor. Through her stitching, she explores themes of memory, legacy, and the often-unseen emotional labour of carers. We also reflect on the importance of community and the quiet rebellion inherent in craftivism, highlighting how art can serve as a powerful voice for those navigating the complexities of care. Cas's insights reveal the profound connections between domesticity, identity, and the creative spirit. To view Cas’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/ To learn more about Cas and her work, visit her website here: https://casholmes.uk For inquiries, please email us at: V.Marr@brighton.ac.uk or wearecarers@gmail.com To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

Caring for loved ones, with unpaid carer Yvonne

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we sit down with Yvonne, a dedicated carer for her partner Marie, who has secondary progressive MS. Yvonne shares her journey, detailing the profound impact that caring has had on her life over the past 20 years. We explore the challenges of navigating daily life while managing care responsibilities, including the struggle to carve out personal space amidst constant demands. Yvonne reflects on the emotional weight of her role, the complexities of relationships with paid carers, and the importance of finding moments of respite. Through the lens of a unique duster she crafted for the We Care Campaign, Yvonne articulates the hidden burdens of unpaid carers and the significance of visibility in our experiences. We discuss the power of creativity as a form of expression and connection, and how participating in the campaign has fostered a sense of solidarity among carers. To view Yvonne’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/ For inquiries, please email us at: V.Marr@brighton.ac.uk or wearecarers@gmail.com To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

Caring for Mother, with unpaid carer Brian

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists we welcome Brian, an unpaid carer from Wales, who shares his deeply personal journey of caring for his mother until her passing. Brian reflects on the challenges he faced, including navigating the complexities of the healthcare system and the emotional toll of witnessing his mother's decline. We delve into the nuances of unpaid care, discussing the invisible labour that carers undertake, and how societal expectations can make this role even more challenging. Brian also shares his experience embroidering his duster in Welsh. Join us as we explore the intersection of care, activism, and the importance of storytelling in bringing these vital issues to light. Brian's insights remind us that while the journey of caring can be incredibly taxing, it is also filled with love and profound connections. To view Brian’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/ For inquiries, please email us at: V.Marr@brighton.ac.uk or wearecarers@gmail.com To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk Episode References: Oxfam https://www.oxfam.org

Stitching the invisibility of unpaid care, with Emily Parkyn

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this heartfelt episode of "Caring Craftivists" we sit down with Emily, a devoted mother and unpaid carer, to explore the intricate journey of caring for a family member with a chronic illness. Emily shares her poignant story of supporting her daughter, Jenna, who battles chronic fatigue syndrome, and the profound realisation of her role as a carer. Through candid reflections, Emily discusses the challenges of balancing personal identity with caring, the isolation that often accompanies unpaid care, and the societal undervaluation of such vital roles. Her narrative is intertwined with her passion for textiles and craftivism, where she finds solace and empowerment in stitching, transforming everyday objects into powerful symbols of Care and activism. This episode delves into the themes of invisibility, community, and the quiet strength found in creative expression, offering a moving perspective on the value of care and the importance of recognising and supporting unpaid carers. Tune in to be inspired by Emily’s resilience and to gain insight into the transformative power of creativity in the face of adversity. For inquiries, please email us at: V.Marr@brighton.ac.uk or wearecarers@gmail.com To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/ For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk To view Emily’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

Kinship caring and stitching with Bobbie-Jo Haarhoff

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bobbie-Jo Haarhoff, an unpaid carer and passionate advocate for the rights of kinship carers. Bobbie-Jo shares her journey as a carer for her daughter and nephew, reflecting on her two decades of experience in this vital role. We delve into the Domestic Dusters Project, where unpaid carers have expressed their thoughts and feelings through embroidery on dusters. Bobbie-Jo discusses the significance of this project and how it aims to amplify the voices of those often overlooked in society. We explore the intersection of craft and activism, or 'craftivism', and how Bobbie-Jo's artistic background informs her approach to advocacy. She reflects on the importance of community, connection, and the intrinsic value that unpaid carers bring to the health and social care sector. To learn more about Bobbie-Jo and her incredible work, you can connect with her organisation on social media and the website https://www.voices.wales/ More information on Kinship Caring here: https://kinship.org.uk/ For inquiries, please email us at: V.Marr@brighton.ac.uk or wearecarers@gmail.com To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/ For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk To view Bobbie-Jo’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/