Project detailing role of carers to be shown in Parliament

The Woven in Renfrewshire exhibition will involve artists working with carers, who will gather their experiences and stories and tell them through a creative display. 

It is set to feature a series of printed boards telling the stories.

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Currently, the Scottish Government are preparing a new bill which is aimed at carers and possibly introducing a national care service, and they are inviting submissions from the caring community.

It is set to be presented to the Scottish Government in Parliament in June.

The exhibition had previously been placed in Paisley's Alexandria Hospital last year, with this being the second iteration of the project.

An event was recently held at the historic Sma' Shot Cottages in Paisley to thank all the people in the care community who have helped produce the artwork.

Liz Gardiner, director of Fablevision who is helping deliver the project, said: "We wanted to have a special event to say thank you to all the participants who have come from the caring community.

"Sma' Shot Cottages seemed the most appropriate venue for the occasion with them having helped in the past with the afternoon tea at the hospital last year."

Liz went on to say how important the project is to not only Scotland but internationally as key caring stories have been getting shared.

She added: "This is what our project is about and that is why we have linked it to an international approach.

"Many carers are underpaid, undervalued and overworked.

"We have been sharing with our international artists and carers what the experiences are in different countries.

"The idea being if we are bringing all the experiences back to our own country and feeding it into our own parliament would be crucial.

"The timing couldn't be perfect for them to look into the service as a whole and how it operates.

"The important thing is that the voices of the carers are heard."

A presentation was shown at the small event earlier this month which was attended by Provost Lorraine Cameron and Lisa Marie Hughes, councillor and Chairperson of One Ren.

Artist Karen Herbison introduced her participants (all carers themselves) and presented some of the work they have been doing together.

Lisa said that putting points across in this creative way helps "touch the politicians' hearts" and helps drive home the points that they are trying to make.

She said: "One of the things that the politicians have said is that they are used to have many written reports and lobbying-styled events.

"But to have this information to be given in a creative, and engaging, way makes such a difference.

"It is so much more impactful because you are working with emotions.

"I would say that it is the most impactful way of feeding into public discussion."