Charity calls for creative writing skills

Competition is open to all

A creative writing and photography competition seeking poets, authors and photographers has launched in Livingston.

The competition, launched by national charity, Carers UK and supported by Specsavers Healthcall, is open to everyone and welcomes poems, short stories and photography on all aspects of caring – exploring the joys, challenges and complex emotions that come with looking after a loved one.

And it aims to get to the heart of what caring for family or friends means.

First, second and third prizes for the competition stand to win high street gift vouchers, whilst for entries making the shortlist, an anthology will be printed and sent back containing their work.

Heléna Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “We have had an overwhelming response to our creative writing competition in recent years, receiving hundreds of poems and short stories that reflect the true realities of caring–the good, the challenging and the humorous–resonating with all carers, no matter what their circumstances.“

Caring is such an important part of life. Carers are holding families together, enabling loved ones to get the most out of life. Yet caring is too often a hidden issue, something that happens behind closed doors. In looking after a disabled, older or ill loved one, many believe they are“just” doing what any parent, sibling, or friend would do. But that’s not the case. Carers need practical and emotional support to help look after themselves and their loved ones well.

“Our creative writing and photography competition helps carers to realise that they are not alone and that support is available. We hope that by reaching more families than ever before through our competition and partnership with Specsavers Healthcall, carers will know that Carers UK is here for them with advice, information and support, whenever they might need us.”

Ted Akil, director of Specsavers Healthcall in Livingston, said: “We are proud to support the creative competition in Livingston. In the course of our home visits to in the local area, we hear a wide range of inspirational stories that deserve to be heard. The competition acts as an ideal opportunity to celebrate both the fantastic care available in the area and the experiences of those who benefit from it.”

You can enter one or more category with: up to two poems, each no longer than 40 lines; one short story of up to 1000 words; up to four photographs.The deadline for entries is Monday, July 31.

Entries can be submitted online at www.carersuk.org/creativewriting or sent to Creative Writing Competition, Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX.