I CARE! is my new body of photography and live art performances, with an accompanying engagement programme for older people, practitioners from health and social care settings and participants within community organisations.

I CARE! explores how the needs of our ageing population is changing and challenges our thinking about how we can be supported, cared for and remain connected within our communities as we age.

I will collect photographs, stories and audio recordings by connecting with carers across the primary care areas in the three locations to reveal the day to day experiences of those looking after older people within our communities, focusing on home visits with community care services and informal carers. Material produced will lead to three exhibitions and live art events within public settings in South Tyneside, East Durham and Newcastle.

A series of workshops with additional artists will use photography, collage, song writing and audio recording. I will invite participants from across social, cultural, health and care sectors- bringing together people that don’t normally meet. Through these workshops vital questions will be posed – How can we come together to develop fresh ideas and potential solutions to challenge our failing social care system? How can we support older people to live well and to live creatively?"

Working alongside a writer the stories and recordings collected with carers will form the basis for 2 monologues, which will be performed by actors as part of community walks.  Audience members will be taken on short walks through town and city centres whilst hearing real life stories of caregiving.