This project shines a light on the intimate and often unspoken realities of caring. It is built around one simple idea: objects.
Each object, nominated by a carer or the person cared for, tells a unique story - a window into the commitment, exhaustion, endurance, resilience, impatience, love and humour that may define their lives.
Whether it’s an everyday item imbued with special meaning or a cherished keepsake, every object tells a tale. Through these stories, we hope to foster greater appreciation about the realities in the lives of unpaid carers.
This is more than an exhibition - it is a tribute to the millions of unpaid carers whose contributions often go unnoticed by society. By sharing their voices, we wish to bring greater recognition and respect to those whose roles are essential yet frequently invisible. Or in the words of one of our exhibitors : “Unpaid carers are silent warriors.”
We believe in the power of storytelling to change perceptions and inspire change. To create a world where unpaid carers are seen, valued, and supported; not just for the sacrifices they make but for their remarkable resilience and humanity.
Unpaid carers provide essential care and support to family members, friends, or neighbours with physical, mental, or emotional needs. They are the people who have risen to the challenge of being the essential carer to someone close to them - a child or an aging parent, a spouse or a sibling for instance - where a disability or longterm health condition has created a need. Carers often juggle their responsibilities with work, family, and their own health. Many work a 24 hour day, which would banned under current health and safety regulations anywhere else.
Through this project, we aim to highlight the manifest contributions of carers and the complexity of their experiences, to foster a greater understanding of their lives and celebrate their role in our society.
Objects are powerful symbols of meaning, acting as gateways to untold stories. They serve as tangible reminders of the love, care, fury, sadness, hope and strength that may underpin the carer’s role. By anchoring each story in an object, we bring the carers’ experiences to life in a way that is both personal and universally relatable.
Carers' lives in 100 objects is a collaborative effort, and we would love you to be part of it. Here’s how you can help:
• Nominate an Object: Are you a carer or someone cared for with a story to share? Submit your object and its story for inclusion in the project. [Here’s howTBD.]
• Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your community to help raise awareness of carers’ stories and experiences.
• Support the Project: Make a donation, volunteer your time, or partner with us to help reach more carers and share their voices.
If you’d like to learn more, share your story, or get involved, please reach out to us. Together, we can honour the lives of unpaid carers and bring their experiences into the spotlight.