Pictured above: (left) Dave Bingham, (middle front) Jan
Lloyd, (middle back) Elisa Hill (right) Rosie Sutton
Talented Family Carers in Shropshire are celebrating the launch
of their book of creative writing entitled "A Door Wide Open",
after taking part in the 'Care-Write' project.
The launch, taking place at the Gateway Education and Arts
Centre on 8 December 2010 at 2.00 pm, highlights and celebrates the
creative talents of carers throughout Shropshire, within this
unique and fascinating publication.
Care-Write is an exciting creative writing project open to all
Unpaid and Family Carers in Shropshire. Those involved have met
monthly to write stories, poems and short autobiographical pieces,
which have been collected to form an anthology that has now been
published. These sessions have allowed individuals to work
with other carers and benefit from the support of an experienced
writer who has helped them develop their technique and broaden
their range of writing experience.
Care-Write, supported by Adult and Community Learning, part of
Shropshire Council and the Skills Funding Agency, has been
co-ordinated by Dave Bingham, a Creative Writing Tutor at the
Gateway Education and Arts Centre in Shrewsbury.
Dave commented "Over the course of the project I have seen
Carers grow in confidence and this has been reflected in the
quality of their writing. The aim is to use proceeds from the
book sale to support the continuation of Carewrite and to encourage
more family carers to take part and work towards becoming a
self-managed group of writers in the future."
The book cover and title were designed by Jan Lloyd, who is
herself a family carer and a contributor to the book. Jan
explains that the title of the book refers to the opportunities
that the Care-write project has provided to carers.
Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and
Leisure said "If you've ever felt you would like to express your
thoughts and emotions in short stories or poems or if there have
been things which have happened in your life which you would like
others to read about, then Carewrite provides a perfect opportunity
for you to develop your creative writing skills.'
The book is on sale for £2.50 at the Gateway Education and
Arts Centre, Chester Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1NB. To obtain a
copy by post please send a cheque for £3.00 (including
postage & packaging) to The Gateway at the above address,
cheques made payable to Shropshire Council.