Caring Craftivists

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we welcome Cas Holmes, an accomplished artist and author,

who shares her unique perspective on the intersection of art and caring.

We delve into the creative process behind her latest work, which repurposes an old duster,

symbolising resilience and the intricate nature of care.

Cas discusses how her artistic practice has evolved in tandem with her role as an unpaid carer for

her partner, Derek, a stroke survivor.

Through her stitching, she explores themes of memory, legacy, and the often-unseen emotional

labour of carers.

We also reflect on the importance of community and the quiet rebellion inherent in craftivism,

highlighting how art can serve as a powerful voice for those navigating the complexities of care.

Cas's insights reveal the profound connections between domesticity, identity, and the creative spirit.

To view Cas’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

To learn more about Cas and her work, visit her website here: https://casholmes.uk

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we sit down with Yvonne, a dedicated carer for her partner

Marie, who has secondary progressive MS. Yvonne shares her journey, detailing the profound

impact that caring has had on her life over the past 20 years.

We explore the challenges of navigating daily life while managing care responsibilities, including the

struggle to carve out personal space amidst constant demands. Yvonne reflects on the emotional

weight of her role, the complexities of relationships with paid carers, and the importance of finding

moments of respite.

Through the lens of a unique duster she crafted for the We Care Campaign, Yvonne articulates the

hidden burdens of unpaid carers and the significance of visibility in our experiences. We discuss the

power of creativity as a form of expression and connection, and how participating in the campaign

has fostered a sense of solidarity among carers.

To view Yvonne’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists we welcome Brian, an unpaid carer from Wales, who shares his

deeply personal journey of caring for his mother until her passing.

Brian reflects on the challenges he faced, including navigating the complexities of the healthcare

system and the emotional toll of witnessing his mother's decline.

We delve into the nuances of unpaid care, discussing the invisible labour that carers undertake, and

how societal expectations can make this role even more challenging.

Brian also shares his experience embroidering his duster in Welsh.

Join us as we explore the intersection of care, activism, and the importance of storytelling in bringing

these vital issues to light. Brian's insights remind us that while the journey of caring can be incredibly

taxing, it is also filled with love and profound connections.

To view Brian’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

Episode References:

Oxfam https://www.oxfam.org

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this heartfelt episode of "Caring Craftivists" we sit down with Emily, a devoted mother and unpaid

carer, to explore the intricate journey of caring for a family member with a chronic illness.

Emily shares her poignant story of supporting her daughter, Jenna, who battles chronic fatigue

syndrome, and the profound realisation of her role as a carer. Through candid reflections, Emily

discusses the challenges of balancing personal identity with caring, the isolation that often

accompanies unpaid care, and the societal undervaluation of such vital roles.

Her narrative is intertwined with her passion for textiles and craftivism, where she finds solace and

empowerment in stitching, transforming everyday objects into powerful symbols of Care and

activism. This episode delves into the themes of invisibility, community, and the quiet strength

found in creative expression, offering a moving perspective on the value of care and the importance

of recognising and supporting unpaid carers.

Tune in to be inspired by Emily’s resilience and to gain insight into the transformative power of

creativity in the face of adversity.

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/ For

more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

To view Emily’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bobbie-Jo Haarhoff, an

unpaid carer and passionate advocate for the rights of kinship carers.

Bobbie-Jo shares her journey as a carer for her daughter and nephew, reflecting on her two decades

of experience in this vital role. We delve into the Domestic Dusters Project, where unpaid carers

have expressed their thoughts and feelings through embroidery on dusters. Bobbie-Jo discusses the

significance of this project and how it aims to amplify the voices of those often overlooked in

society.

We explore the intersection of craft and activism, or 'craftivism', and how Bobbie-Jo's artistic

background informs her approach to advocacy. She reflects on the importance of community,

connection, and the intrinsic value that unpaid carers bring to the health and social care sector.

To learn more about Bobbie-Jo and her incredible work, you can connect with her organisation on

social media and the website https://www.voices.wales/

More information on Kinship Caring here: https://kinship.org.uk/

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

To view Bobbie-Jo’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we are joined by Ceri, an unpaid carer from Wales, who shares

her inspiring journey of embroidering a duster for the We Care campaign.

With nearly 30 years of caring experience, Ceri reflects on her role in supporting family members

with cognitive issues and disabilities.

We delve into the creative process behind her duster, which became a canvas for her emotions and

activism. Ceri discusses the significance of the words and images she chose, revealing how this

artistic expression served as a powerful outlet for her experiences as a carer.

Throughout the conversation, Ceri's passion for activism shines through as she emphasises the

importance of lived experiences in shaping policy. She highlights the need for policymakers to

remember the realities faced by unpaid carers, urging them not to overlook their struggles.

As we explore the impact of creativity on Ceri's perspective, she shares how her relationship with art

has evolved, allowing her to channel her experiences into meaningful activism. The duster, a

seemingly simple object, becomes a symbol of resilience and empowerment, challenging the

traditional narratives surrounding caring roles.

Join us as we celebrate Ceri's journey, her unwavering spirit, and the profound connection between

creativity and care.

To view Ceri’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we have the pleasure of speaking to Laura Collins, an unpaid

carer from Belfast, who shares her journey of caring for her adult children and her involvement in

this unique campaign.

Alongside Katy, founder of We Care, and Vanessa, founder of Domestic Dusters, Laura discusses the

powerful narratives stitched into dusters, symbolising the often invisible yet vital role of carers in

society.

Laura introduces us to her creations, including the "Signposting Merry Go Round," which highlights

the frustrating cycle of referrals and the need for effective care navigation. She also shares the

poignant "Counted On, Not Counted In," reflecting on the unrecognised contributions of carers.

Through these artworks, Laura advocates for systemic change, emphasising the importance of

recognising and supporting carers at every stage of their journey.

Discover how the Domestic Dusters project has provided a creative outlet and a sense of community

for carers, enabling them to voice their experiences and challenges. Laura's passion for advocacy

shines through as she calls for legislative action to support carers and ensure their voices are heard.

This episode is a powerful testament to the dedication of carers, offering a fresh perspective on how

art and activism can intersect to drive meaningful change. Tune in to be inspired by more stories of

Caring Craftivists.

To view Laura’s dusters go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we embark on a collaborative journey with Sarah Rees, the head

of Oxfam Cymru, to explore the transformative power of craftivism in amplifying the voices of

unpaid carers.

Vanessa and Katy delve into the Caring Craftivists Project, where participants across Wales

embroidered their thoughts onto domestic yellow dusters, turning everyday objects into poignant

statements about invisible labour and care.

We discuss the deep connections between creativity and advocacy, and how the project not only

provided a platform for storytelling but also fostered community engagement and policy discussions.

Sarah shares her insights on the importance of recognising the vital role of carers in society, and how

the project has sparked meaningful conversations within the Welsh Parliament.

Join us as we reflect on the impact of this innovative initiative, the emotional journeys of the

participants, and the potential for future projects that blend creativity with advocacy.

This episode is a testament to the power of crafting as a tool for change and the importance of

making the voices of unpaid carers heard.

Episode references:

Oxfam Cymru

https://www.oxfam.org.uk/cymru

Every Woman Festival

https://www.everywomanfest.com

To see the project in the Senedd you can watch this video:

https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/ For

more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, Vanessa Marr and Katy Styles delve into the transformative

power of craftivism through the lens of Claire, an unpaid carer for her autistic children.

Clare shares her personal journey of embracing her identity as a carer, sparked by her involvement

in the Caring Craftivists Project.

We explore the intricate meanings behind Clare's duster, adorned with heartfelt messages that

reflect both the struggles and the connections inherent in caring.

Clare discusses how the act of stitching became a meditative process, allowing her to articulate her

feelings and experiences in a tangible form.

As we navigate the conversation, Clare reveals how participating in this project has reignited her

sense of self-worth and empowered her to advocate for herself and others in similar situations.

The discussion touches on the importance of visibility for unpaid carers and the need for society to

recognise the invaluable contributions they make.

Join us as we celebrate the intersection of creativity and care and discover how crafting can serve as

a powerful tool for change and connection.

To view Clare’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a

yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved

rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we dive into the fascinating intersection of care and creativity

with Vanessa Marr, Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton and founder of the Domestic

Dusters Project, alongside Katy Styles, an unpaid carer and founder of the We Care Campaign.

Join us as we explore the origins of the Caring Craftivist project, where the humble yellow duster

becomes a powerful medium for storytelling and empowerment.

Vanessa shares her journey from academic research into domesticity and fairy tales to the

transformative power of craftivism, revealing how stitching can amplify the voices of unpaid carers.

We discuss the significance of the red thread, the symbolism of the duster, and how this project has

fostered community connections while addressing the challenges faced by carers. The conversation

also touches on the political implications of their work, including their recent experiences advocating

for carers at the Senedd in Wales.

To view the dusters go here: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and

https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/

To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/

To find out more about Vanessa’s academic research, visit:

https://research.brighton.ac.uk/en/persons/vanessa-marr

For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

Episode references:

‘Women’s Work; The First 20,000 Years’ Elizabeth Wayland Barber

https://www.waterstones.com/book/womens-work/elizabeth-wayland-barber/9781324076025

‘The Subversive Stitch’ Rozsika Parker https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-subversive-

stitch/rozsika-parker/9781350132290

‘Textiles: The Whole Story: Uses. Meanings. Significance’ Beverly Gordon

https://www.waterstones.com/book/textiles-the-whole-story/beverly-gordon/9780500291139

‘Handmaid's Tale’ by Margaret Atwood https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-handmaids-

tale/margaret-atwood/9780099740919