‘Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy’ (4Ls) is a video storytelling, coaching and peer conversation project that supports people to produce and share their own video stories; celebrate formative life experiences; share how they have coped with experiences of loss with peers; and better understand the learning and legacies taken from their life experiences. The project is delivered by Leeds-based charity Lippy People.
Since 2019 the project has supported over 20 carers with diverse and individual experiences of caring and being a carer. Many older male carers felt that their experiences of being a carer were often not openly talked about, and they wanted to do something to change this. All of the videostories you see here have been made and produced by carers directly, on the 4Ls Project and with the support of their local support services, including Carers Leeds. They have made their videos available for you to watch and learn from.
Keith was a carer for his wife Rosie from the age of 21. Rosie lived a long life, and died aged 81.
'‘My concern was always making sure Rosie was alright, keeping Rosie alive….. we succeeded.’'
Ian was a carer for his fiance Kate.
'‘You’re allowed to grieve, it doesn't matter how long your relationship was.’'
Emma was a carer for her mum.
‘'Everyone loses someone close to them at some point in their life. I just happened to have it sooner than others.’'
Cliff was a carer for his wife Sheila. At age 85 Cliff shares what he has learnt.
'‘Nobody wants you if you’re miserable, well not in my opinion they don’t. You've got to get on with your life....’'
Geoff was a carer for his wife Earline, living with MS.
'‘MS is not a death sentence. We knew her condition would gradually get worse…..but this strengthened our commitment even more.’'
Brian was a carer for his wife Audrey, living with dementia.
'‘After the dementia diagnosis I became her carer. That was the time I realised I was potentially going to lose her 3 times’'
Vince was a carer for his wife Maureen.
''You've got to look at the times you’ve had together, and I don't regret a minute of it.’'
Stuart was a carer for his wife Isabella,
'‘The care became so personal, and 24hrs a day … I was beginning to feel if we didn't try something different, I would be ill as well.’'
Ian was a carer for his wife Anne. He shares his experience of 3 days that changed their lives forever.
If you are interested in finding out more about the project, or would like to talk to someone about the video stories, contact the coordinator of the project Lorna at lorna@lippypeople.org. Projects are free to take part in, offering online and face to face groups, and are open to people from all walks of life, age and experiences across the UK.
The ‘Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy’ Project has been funded by
Longleigh Foundation, Imagine Foundation, Leeds Community Foundation, Time To Shine Small Fund, Independent Age, Trusthouse, Foyle Foundation, Brelms Trust and WADES Charity.
Twitter @LippyPeople