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The SoA Carers' Network

About this Network

You don't have to stop being an author if you start being a carer.

Are you a professional author with caring responsibilities for someone with an illness or disability? If so, you might wish to join this online peer support network. 

The SoA Carers' Network supports members who also have caring responsibilities to keep in touch with their professional community, to keep working and to help each other through difficult times.

There are lots of organisations, such as Carers UK and Carers Trust that offer practical help, advice and support to carers. The aim of our network is to offer support to SoA members, helping them to keep working whilst fulfilling their caring responsibilities.

Members of our network have different caring roles, responsibilities and experiences, but they have one thing in common: they're SoA members.

If you would like to join this peer support network, please email us.

Events

Members connect via online discussions using Facebook and Zoom, and in pre-Covid times we occasionally met for an annual lunch or for an event during Carers Week. Details of any events will be listed on this page and emailed to members.

Online discussions

Our most active forum is our private Facebook discussion group. Members share tips and advice, as well as updates about their writing. All conversation is welcome, even if it's simply to share details of your day in a safe space. To join this discussion group, please send a request via the Facebook page.

Quarterly Zoom get-togethers

We host quarterly online get-togethers via Zoom. Joining links are posted on the Facebook page or you can email us for details. These Zoom calls are scheduled for Wednesdays from 2.00-3.00pm. 

There's no need to register or log-in, just make yourself a cuppa and click the link to join. If you have any problems connecting, please email us for technical support. 

'We Need To Talk About Caring'

In June 2019 we live-streamed the Raising Films 'We Need To Talk About Caring' launch event to members. At the event we caught up with the scriptwriter, Ming Ho to chat about why she is involved with the project. Watch the video here 

(Please note that although the visual quality is not great, the audio quality is good, so you may prefer to listen to the conversation.)

Noticeboard

Interview with scriptwriter Ming Ho

Posted: 06 August 2019

In June 2019 we caught up with the scriptwriter, Ming Ho at the Raising Films #WeNeedToTalkAboutCaring launch event. SoA contracts advisor, Theo Jones met up with Ming over a cuppa to chat about why she's involved with Raising Films. You can watch the interview here. Here are a few links mentioned in the conversation:

(Dementia Just Ain't) Sexy – Ming's dementia blog. Not a daily care blog or advice site, but a place to share thoughts about the impact of dementia on those who live with it – which could be any of us. Ming's mum, 92, is now in residential care. She has dementia; they have both lived with it for many years.

Dementia Carers Count – A new initiative from the Royal Surgical Aid Society to support family, friends and partners looking after someone with dementia. Working for a world where all family carers of people with dementia feel confident, supported and heard. Currently based in Birmingham, this Midlands-based charity has plans for national provision.

The Things We Never Said – Read Ming's radio drama script on the BBC Writers Room script archive and listen out for a repeat on BBC R4.

Financial help for writers

Posted: 21 May 2019

Would special equipment or simply taking a taxi now and again make your life easier? Is your computer letting you down, or would you value some occasional domestic help?

The Authors’ Contingency Fund and the Francis Head Bequest offer one-off grants to professional authors who would benefit from some financial support to help them back on their feet professionally. We currently have a surplus, so please do think of applying.

For further information and an application form can be found our our Grants page or you can call the office 020 7373 6642 to have a chat about applying.                                                                    

Related Links

Are you looking after someone unpaid? Essential information for unpaid carers
Carefree Breaks The Carefree short breaks initiative is specifically designed to give carers time away from their caring responsibilities.
Over the Moon short story A short story by Carers' Network member, Anthony Saunders
Reader magazine - Issue 1 The first issue of Reader Magazine is here!
Reader magazine - issue 2 An occasional publication from the Writers as Carers Group.
Relatives & Residents Association They support, inform and speak on behalf of older people in care.
Sing For Life by Wendy Perriam An extract from Wendy Perriam's new book, Sing for Life