Positive Talents show – Made by Carers for Carers

Welcome to another update of an event for carers. This blog is of the special event produced by carers for unpaid carers. The event was developed by unpaid carers Faith Smith and Annette Davis.

The point of the event was a chance for carers who care for someone unpaid to come together and showcase a talent to link carers together. This was a special event because it was produce by unpaid carers for unpaid carers. Both Annette and Faith felt carers have something to offer that can bring the community together. After viewing an exhibition, both carers felt inspired to develop an event which took some months of planning and organising.

I have known Annette and Faith a very long time and we often collaborate when there is a chance. So with the support of Carer network lead Laura Sheridan at Cygnet, we felt this would be a chance for Carers of London to learn from each other and develop confidence to share their talents.

For the first ever Positive Talents show took place at Cygnet ChurchHill hospital over in Lambeth. The location was very easy to get to, with good transport links.

There was also a good turn out as we got support from unpaid carers wanting to attend to reduce isolation and also carers who wanted to showcase their talents.

Annette and Faith opened the positive talent show with an explanation of to why carers should be given the chance to show off any skills or talents. It is just a matter of being given the chance.

We were then shown a video of a carer performing poetry. The poem was performed by Brenda Onatade who could not be present. However you can see Brenda perform her poetry below.

Next we had a video from Jo Lambert who also could not attend, however Faith gave a great talk about the video which you can see below

You can see Jo Lambert’s video called “Fairy lights of Hope” below

We then had a talk by Annette on Looking after yourself. Her talk was titled LAM “looking after ME”

As being a poet, I wanted to showcase the importance of carers recognising their talents and performed a poem called “What helps me”

I also did a learn and share session for carers to relate to the poem, which you can view below.

There was then a focus on positive wellbeing messages that were shared by the audience of carers. We all shared what was positive for our own health.

.After my poetry performance we then moved onto a comedy routine by another carer called Jo.

The routine helped destigmatize mental ill health as sometimes the only option for difficult challenges is laughter. You can see the comedy section below.

Next was a game of charades, where carers can feel welcome and join in the activities

Then next was refreshments and food along with networking. The food was prepared by Cygnet chief Titilayo

For the 2nd half of the Talent show. We had a presentation from Southwark Wellbeing hub on their focus for Black carers. There is a launch of the Black Carers Project, which I have included the poster below.

Then we have a dance section from carer Jackie Christie, where you can see the performance below

After the lovely dance show, we had another comedy routine, this time performed by Faith Smith, again the video is placed below.

Next was my 2nd poetry performance on the importance of setting a legacy.

The last two performance were led by Annette who did a few song sessions

I felt the event turned out very well since this was the first ever carer talent show. We all shared from each other and felt that we were part of something very big. Thanks for the support from the following carer centres who also helped to promote and connect carers to each other. These being Lambeth carers hub, Sutton Carers and Imago community and a special thanks to Cygnet for hosting the event for carers, plus providing food.

All who took part were awarded certificate, so well done to them.