Portsmouth City Council’s carers service offers a one-stop shop for unpaid carers to get advice and support, meet others who are going through the same thing, and have a break from their caring role.

Most recently, this has included a new programme of creative sessions, where carers can paint, write, sculpt or collage to express their thoughts and feelings about being a carer, caring in Portsmouth, or their caring journey. Guided activities and support are available or attendees can just let their imagination go wild and do their own thing.

Now the artwork and poetry that has been produced has been put on display and is ready to be shared with the city. It is hoped that the artistic creations may help others who might not yet recognise themselves as carers to get the help they need, and for the professionals who work with carers to better understand their experiences and point of view, to help them deliver better services.

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care or support to someone who would not manage without that help. Carers typically and most often care for family members at home, although not always. Caring might also involve regular support given to a neighbour or friend. There are 15,000 carers living in Portsmouth according to the Census data from 2021.

Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care attended the launch of the art exhibition on Monday 9 June He said: “This powerful collection of artwork and poetry wonderfully captures some of the experiences and feelings of carers, who are the absolute backbone of our city. I hope it inspires meaningful conversations, helps more people to recognise themselves as carers, and drives continued improvements in the support we offer to unpaid carers in Portsmouth.”

Laura, project officer at the carers service, who runs the creative sessions, is a carer herself for her husband. She said: “I try to make the sessions really relaxed so people can just take part in whatever art they feel like doing. Some people said they weren’t creative at all, but the discussion brought it out. Doing something with your hands makes you feel more comfortable to have conversations as you’re distracted. Everyone leaves feeling a little bit lighter, which isn’t something you can quantify.”

Paula and Sharlene are both parent carers, meaning they care for children with additional needs. Sharlene has four children, two of whom have additional needs, and Paula has two children with additional needs. They have both been attending the Carers Cuppa and Catch-up creative sessions since they started a year ago.

Paula said: “My creation represents my family, friends and the community who I support, and they support me back.

“You can feel like you’re the only person in the world going through these things, so to meet other people who are facing the same challenges is just amazing. There are people here I’ve known for 13 years, having met them at a parent carer group that long ago.”

Sharlene said: “I’m a very creative person – I have a degree in Fashion and Textiles – and having the chance to use my creativity gives me a chance to express that side of myself, not just the Sharlene who’s a mum and a carer. We have to tell our story a lot to health professionals but it’s only ever the bad stuff – the challenges we face as carers. This group, and this creative project, gives us the chance to talk about every aspect of caring including good stuff, the funny things our children say, that sort of thing!”

Paula and Sharlene also both volunteer for SEND Butterflies South Coast, a parent carer support group, where they support and advocate for other parent carers. They’re passionate about trying to join the dots between different carers organisations so that for anyone seeking support there is ‘no wrong door’.

Mel cares for her adult daughter who has learning disabilities. She said: “I first noticed my daughter’s learning disabilities at mother and toddler groups when she was about three years old – she is now 24. The GP recommended the carers service to me and I’ve been coming ever since. It’s a total break coming here – you feel a bit relaxed. It’s nice talking to Laura – she’s like my confidant. Sometimes you need someone to talk to and it’s nice to know someone is there.”

As well as the new artwork display, there is a programme of events taking place for carers in celebration of Carers Week (9 – 15 June), which you can find out about here: https://portsmouthcarersservice.co.uk/news-events/carers-week-2025/.