WATCH: Wiltshire Carers Voices

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A short film capturing the everyday lives of some of the 47,000 unpaid carers in Wiltshire has been launched today (February 20).

Carers Voices is the latest in a series of DVDs organised by Wiltshire Council to highlight the stories of people who may not always have a voice.

The series records the thoughts of different groups of people who may not always go to meetings to make their views known, so their experiences can be considered in key decision making.

A number of unpaid carers speak in the film, explaining how caring for a family member or friend has affected them. The film shows some of the challenges they face including taking time out for themselves and the physical and emotional challenges of caring. It also looks at their hopes and dreams for the future.

Six carers speak on the film including a wife looking after her husband with dementia, an 18-year-old carer and a mother who cares for one child and faces challenges looking after her other children.

Keith Humphries, cabinet member for public health, said: “This DVD delivers a powerful message which everyone should hear Many unpaid carers continue to be unseen who have often been silently struggling to cope with their responsibilities. I hope this film reassures carers that they are not alone and help and support is available.”

Many of them are unaware that they are carers, or that there is support available for them..”

Corporate director for public health Maggie Rae said: “Hearing from people about their experiences can reveal so much more than leafing through a report. This film will be used to help raise awareness amongst the public and health and social care professionals about the issues affecting unpaid carers in Wiltshire and what can be done to support them.”

The film is the 13th in a series called the Wiltshire Voices project. The first 12 films received central government funding and captured the stories, views and opinions of different groups from Army wives, Polish people, stroke survivors and live onboard boaters. It was decided to add a 13th which was commissioned by Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group and co-ordinated by Carer Support Wiltshire to highlight this important field.

The other 12 films can be viewed online at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/communityandliving/wiltshirevoices.htm The short films will be used in group situations to lead discussion and action by schools, service providers, organisations and local decision makers. Area boards throughout Wiltshire will be using the films to better inform decisions.

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