We're celebrating the carers in our community during this weeks Carers Week. 6.5 million people in the UK are currently caring for a family member or friend who is older, disabled or seriously ill, caring could affect all of us at some point in our lives.
We got back in touch with Visual and Performing Arts student Angela Tulloch, who cares for her Mother, to see how they are both getting on balancing looking after each other during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tell us about your role looking after your Mother?
I have been my Mother’s primary carer for the last seven years. She has a combination of disabilities which can be very stressful. It’s not easy for her also but she has a lot of inner strength. Looking after an elderly parent takes a lot of energy and strength. So trying to find the balance of juggling your own life isn’t an easy task.
Caring for my Mother consists of cooking meals, keeping the house clean, maintaining and buying electric goods, payment of bills, Food and Birthday shopping, washing and ironing. Personal care dressing, baths/ shower, lifting plus giving medications, hospital appointment, collecting prescriptions, attending social club events. Attending exercise classes. Emotional support providing an ear when needed. Just holding of a hand, giving support and love.
How have you adapted to life during Covid-19 and whilst you are unable to do your Sculpture and Acting courses at City Lit face-to-face, how has your work changed?
I have had to go within even more, which I really like. Meditation has helped me to become stronger and to relay on my energy. I have found my focus on energy drawing which I have a real passion for. These 2D drawings are the inner resources that I have been pulling on which is powerful for me because in meditation I am tapping into my inner most deeper self. So the connection is strong for me. Plus painting on extremely large canvas in a small space is a real challenge, but I did achieve the task. And I am so, so proud of myself.
'Creative Shamanic', 2D Drawings by Angela Tulloch 2020: al Engagement, City Lit:
