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@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
RAISING CARER VOICE: PASSIONS, DREAMS AND
TELLING PERSONAL STORIES
Maureen FlynnSeptember 2015
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
YC Website Anonymous Poem
My Brother Jack
Please don’t annoy my brother
He’s just like me and you
He’s a human being
He has feelings too...
It just really annoys me
That they treat him how they do
And that I have to keep saying
He’s no different to me or you.
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
My Brother –a poemMy Brother
What was that you said again?
Through innocent eyes I watch you, but
Never stare you in the eye.
It hurts, I tell you, it hurts.
You say ‘Hi,’
I sit and stare, because
What do you mean?
I play games by
Myself. Like Halo on xbox
And Zelda on my computer.
I play my gameboy.
I like my xbox, my computer, my gameboy.
I can understand them, but
Not the expression on your face.
I’ll tell you a secret!
I take tablets and I need lots of help.
I don’t like talking to people I don’t know.
But I like my dog.
Why is Mum so tired, why is sis so stressed?
I don’t know the answer so
I do an equation in my head.
I think I am mumbling.
I don’t like talking much.
What was that you said again?
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
Reba – Red Dragon
Oh how it hurts to be brandedWith a label not of your choiceTo have had the world take awayBoth my sight and my voice.
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
Private Blog Excerpts…“My Mum has been in hospital for just over a month thanks to her auto immune diseases… She ended up with meningitis just when they were going to de-admit her so it will be another month or so before she comes out now. We have to wear face masks and gloves and aprons just to see her in case we give more germs to her or her to us. It's kinda all shades of horrible.”
“I don't like to post about being a carer much. Mainly because it makes me feel as depressed as fuck. Because I'm going to be really, really fucking honest here.
It sucks.
Abso-fucking-lutely sucks.”
“How old are you? I'm older than you'll ever be…”
“My Mum needs another major operation because three nerve discs are compressed from the car accident. She is in so much pain she can't function. Her organs have slowed down and she is coughing up blood. I have never been so frightened in my life.”
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
I meet my favourite childhood author, Isobelle Carmody, with my best friend…
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
Feedback on my Writing…
On my YA fantasy:
“ Maureen, if this is your first novel, you are to be congratulated: you have laid the groundwork for an original YA fantasy. Your story is coherent and eventful, and the magical episodes build to a satisfying climax. I particularly like the way Claire’s search for her brother ramps up into a battle for the survival of Kelnarium—a classic fantasy plot device that you manipulate well.” Cheryl Hingley, Australian historical and crime novelist acting in her role as The Free Literary Mentor
On my poetry collection:
“ I thought it was great--very moving, lively, distinctive. And very easy to read whilst being thoughtful and memorable. Bravo!” – Sophie Masson, Australian fantasy and children’s author
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
When my Mum woke up after surgery and Isobelle wrote to me to tell me I couldn’t give up writing because I was good...
“On the way to work yesterday, I burst into tears. Tears of relief for my Mum. Tears of happiness and pride. And suddenly I remembered Ruth Evershed and Spooks. "When the lights come back on, you'll be the most important person in the room."
Suddenly, I wake up, and I am.”
August, 2012
@CareOptionsAU #BeingHome2025
Take-Away Points - Providers
• How do we help carers to make their own space in their already crowded worlds?
• How do we tailor carer support to support carers to find their passions?
• How do we support carers to express themselves and find their own voice?
• How do we support carers to form their own independent identities? Especially young carers?
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