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RAISING CARER VOICE: PASSIONS, DREAMS AND

TELLING PERSONAL STORIES

Maureen FlynnSeptember 2015

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The Caring Role…

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YC Website Anonymous Poem

My Brother Jack

Please don’t annoy my brother

He’s just like me and you

He’s a human being

He has feelings too...

It just really annoys me

That they treat him how they do

And that I have to keep saying

He’s no different to me or you.

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My brother and I play-acting stories…

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My Brother –a poemMy Brother

What was that you said again?

Through innocent eyes I watch you, but

Never stare you in the eye.

It hurts, I tell you, it hurts.

You say ‘Hi,’

I sit and stare, because

What do you mean?

I play games by

Myself. Like Halo on xbox

And Zelda on my computer.

I play my gameboy.

I like my xbox, my computer, my gameboy.

I can understand them, but

Not the expression on your face.

I’ll tell you a secret!

I take tablets and I need lots of help.

I don’t like talking to people I don’t know.

But I like my dog.

Why is Mum so tired, why is sis so stressed?

I don’t know the answer so

I do an equation in my head.

I think I am mumbling.

I don’t like talking much.

What was that you said again?

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Reba – Red Dragon

Oh how it hurts to be brandedWith a label not of your choiceTo have had the world take awayBoth my sight and my voice.

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My Family and I…

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Private Blog Excerpts…“My Mum has been in hospital for just over a month thanks to her auto immune diseases… She ended up with meningitis just when they were going to de-admit her so it will be another month or so before she comes out now. We have to wear face masks and gloves and aprons just to see her in case we give more germs to her or her to us. It's kinda all shades of horrible.”

“I don't like to post about being a carer much. Mainly because it makes me feel as depressed as fuck. Because I'm going to be really, really fucking honest here.

It sucks.

Abso-fucking-lutely sucks.”

“How old are you? I'm older than you'll ever be…”

“My Mum needs another major operation because three nerve discs are compressed from the car accident. She is in so much pain she can't function. Her organs have slowed down and she is coughing up blood. I have never been so frightened in my life.”

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My best friend and I in the Hospital

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Margo and I at my first ever writer’s panel…

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I meet my favourite childhood author, Isobelle Carmody, with my best friend…

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Feedback on my Writing…

On my YA fantasy:

“ Maureen, if this is your first novel, you are to be congratulated: you have laid the groundwork for an original YA fantasy. Your story is coherent and eventful, and the magical episodes build to a satisfying climax. I particularly like the way Claire’s search for her brother ramps up into a battle for the survival of Kelnarium—a classic fantasy plot device that you manipulate well.” Cheryl Hingley, Australian historical and crime novelist acting in her role as The Free Literary Mentor

On my poetry collection:

“ I thought it was great--very moving, lively, distinctive. And very easy to read whilst being thoughtful and memorable. Bravo!” – Sophie Masson, Australian fantasy and children’s author

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When my Mum woke up after surgery and Isobelle wrote to me to tell me I couldn’t give up writing because I was good...

“On the way to work yesterday, I burst into tears. Tears of relief for my Mum. Tears of happiness and pride. And suddenly I remembered Ruth Evershed and Spooks. "When the lights come back on, you'll be the most important person in the room."

Suddenly, I wake up, and I am.”

August, 2012

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Take-Away Points - Providers

• How do we help carers to make their own space in their already crowded worlds?

• How do we tailor carer support to support carers to find their passions?

• How do we support carers to express themselves and find their own voice?

• How do we support carers to form their own independent identities? Especially young carers?