Carers in Leicestershire and Rutland 'prescribed' new way to battle mental health issues
The pandemic has caused some carers to suffer more loneliness and grief
Carers across Leicestershire and Rutland are using poetry as a way to help them through mental health struggles.
After the pandemic's lockdowns left some carers feeling more grief, loneliness and isolation, The Carer's Trust decided to set up a group to help.
Formed in lockdown, the ‘Connecting Carers Creative Writing Group’ uses methods first developed by publisher William Sieghart to aid members.
A dose of creative writing
The 'Poetry Pharmacy' sees carers prescribed poetry by other carers that relates to the problems they are experiencing.
Alternatively, carers come together to write their own poetry to express their inner thoughts and feelings.
Below is one of the poems written by a group member:
You're Beautiful - by Liz
Cheer up they said don't be sad,
you're a a young beautiful woman you should be glad.
Take a look in the mirror,
the twinkle in them beautiful eyes.
Remember you're a strong, beautiful, kind, loving woman
who is loved by many.
Life isn't a bed of roses or a steady stream
remember you’re a beautiful woman
who is sometimes allowed to SCREAM!
Sue Willis, from The Carers Trust Leicestershire and Rutland, says the group benefits everyone involved:
"I think what they found was helpful which we hadn't particularly anticipated was that, by helping somebody else in distress, they were also getting that kind of satisfaction and that reward, so that was maybe taking them out of themselves as well.