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Family Carers Ireland launches exhibition titled ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’.

Family Carers Ireland launched a photographic exhibition titled ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ today at IMMA.

The exhibition features photographs of 10 family carers with the people that they care for and family members . The striking imagery captures moments of tenderness between family carers and their loved-ones with each having their own powerful story to tell. The launch today marks the beginning of a schedule of events to celebrate the Netwatch Year of the Family Carer.

 

Family Carers Ireland is calling on businesses and entrepreneurs across Ireland to sponsor one of the compelling images for €5,000 with all of the money raised going into a National Hardship Fund for family carers most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

One photograph features Johanne Powell from Wexford with her daughter Siobhan. Johanne visited IMMA today (Friday 13thNovember) to preview her family portrait.  Johanne, originally from Norway but living in Fethard-on-Sea, Co. Wexford, cared for over 36 years for her daughter Siobhan who was born with a rare chromosome disorder and was intellectually and physically disabled, requiring 24/7 care. Sadly, Siobhan passed away in August this year. The viewing today was a poignant moment for Johanne, a mother without her beloved daughter.

 

 Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland said,

 

“Johanne has been an amazing advocate for Siobhan, family carers and people with disabilities for over 30 years. We know that she will continue to fight this battle to ensure that all family carers and those that they care for are recognised, valued and treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.” 

 

A second photograph features family carer, Sinead Tighe, her daughter Shauna (16),one of the 2018 Young Carers of the Year and son Daniel. Sinead and Shauna care for Daniel (13) who was born with the rare genetic condition, Sotos syndrome. The Tighes also attended the launch today.

 

People who wish to pledge their support to the campaign can donate via www.familycarers.ie

 

“The images of family carers with the person/s they care for give a snapshot of life as a family carer. The love and dedication shines through in each portrait. This is a fitting way to commence the  Netwatch Year of the Family Carer and we hope that Irish businesses will support their incredible work and sacrifice by choosing to purchase one of the portraits.” Commented Ms Cox. 

 

The Netwatch Year of the Family Carer begins with ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ a photographic exhibition which can be viewed online at www.familycarers.ie and culminates in the online ‘Concert for Carers’ on November 28th  featuring the incredibly talented musicians Matthew Gilsenan from The Celtic Tenors and Deirdre Shannon from Celtic Women.

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