Concert for Caring - we asked people - "what does caring mean to you " this is what they told us

Letters, Life and Love Stories” Concert and Reception

Songstress Eddi Reader and indie folk five-piece Admiral Fallow were among the artists who took to the stage on Monday 20th January for a unique concert to celebrate the work of the 660,000 carers in Scotland and those who support them.

Joining them on the bill for the ‘Letters, Life and Love Stories’ Concert organised by the ALLIANCE, Regular Music and Celtic Connections were Emma Pollock accompanied by the Cairn String Quartet, Horse McDonald, Hue & Cry, Kassidy, Tommy Reilly, Joe Nisbet Jr, Siobhan Wilson and Little Fire.

The special concert, paying tribute to those who play a caring role was brought to an end in a fitting manner when all of the acts returned to the stage for a group performance of ‘Lean On Me.’

Ahead of the concert, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed 500 specially invited guests including carers and their loved ones as well as inspirational professionals, volunteers and a host of partner organisations from across Scotland who play a supporting role in their journeys.

The reception and exhibition gave carers the opportunity to share what caring meant to them by submitting a leaf to our “Letters, Life and Love Stories Tree.” We were delighted to receive 140 comments which gave a heartening but also inspirational insight into the challenges of, and motivations behind the caring role.

Caring means ensuring that your loved one has the best and finding the time to give it.

Caring is a very, very difficult job, only made possible by the love I have for my husband.

Caring means everything!

You can view the full range of comments left on the “Letters, Life and Love Stories” Tree by clicking here.

“Letters, Life and Love Stories” Tree

The project was spearheaded by Tommy Whitelaw, who worked for 20 years in the music industry and later spent five years caring for his mum Joan. He started a campaign to raise awareness, gathering letters from carers. Now as Project Engagement Lead with the ALLIANCE’s Dementia Carer Voices Project, he speaks to carer groups, health and social care professionals and students as well as key decision-makers who have influence over the lives of people affected by dementia.

Tommy Whitelaw, Project Engagement Lead, the ALLIANCE said: 

“Over the last few years I have seen the amazing lengths that carers go to through love and met the most inspirational people who make a difference during the carer journey. This event is the perfect opportunity to say thanks to these inspirational people for the role that they play.”

Irene Oldfather, Director, the ALLIANCE said:

“I felt so privileged to attend the concert and meet carers from across Scotland. It was a humbling experience . Reading out the carer comments was sad and uplifting at the same time . The artists carers and professionals attending all felt part of a very special occasion to show that all across Scotland we care.”

Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:

“I’m delighted to support the work of Tommy and his colleagues at The ALLIANCE and their invaluable efforts to raise awareness and inform policy on dementia and carers issues.

“The Scottish Government continues to take national action on both of these key health and social care issues. This event is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the key roles unpaid carers play across Scotland.”

The ALLIANCE would like to thank everyone who was involved in making the night such a success: the Scottish Government, artists, hosts, crew, exhibitors, staff and most importantly carers!