Carers centre stage at Celtic Connections
Organisers behind a special concert in January for people in Scotland who play a caring role have announced a uniquely Scottish line up. The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) and Regular Music with Celtic Connections have lined-up a range of home grown talents to celebrate the lives of many of the 660,000 carers in Scotland and those who support them.
On Monday 20th January, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall will play host to Scottish favourites Hue and Cry, the Delgados, Eddi Reader, Horse, and legendary folk duo Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham for the ‘Letters, Life and Love Stories' Concert, which forms part of the Celtic Connections Calendar for 2014. The concert will be accompanied by a reception at which the Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon will address an assembly of specially invited guests including carers and inspirational professionals and volunteers who play a part in their journeys.
The idea of the concert came from a meeting with Tommy Whitelaw of the ALLIANCE, Mark Mackie from Regular Music and Celtic Connections Festival Director Donald Shaw where Tommy shared some of the letters and spoke about ways they could be brought to life by music. Tommy Whitelaw, who worked for 20 years in the music industry, spent the last five years caring for his mum Joan who had dementia. He started a campaign, 'Tommy on Tour' 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 said "Over the last few years I have seen the amazing lengths that carers go to through love as well as the transformational impact that special people can have on the carer journey. This event is the perfect opportunity to say thanks to these inspirational people for the role that they play."
Ian Welsh ALLIANCE Chief Executive said "We are delighted to work together with Regular Music and Celtic Connections to put on this unique concert to celebrate the lives of those who play a caring role The concert and reception will reach out to inspirational individuals and groups, asking them to tell us about their journey caring for a loved one, and the motivation behind their caring role."
The concert will be held on 20th January at 7.30pm in Glasgow Royal Concert Halls as part of Celtic Connections. Tickets can be booked online via the Celtic Connections website, by calling the box office on 0141 353 8000 or in person from the box office located at the Buchanan Street entrance of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
