A CREATIVE writing competition has launched for budding bards in Monmouthshire aiming to get to the heart of what caring means to family, friends and carers in the community.

The competition, launched by Carers UK and supported by Specsavers Healthcall, is open to everyone and welcomes poems and short stories on all aspects of caring – exploring the joys, challenges and complex emotions that come with looking after a loved one.

Jamie Pullen, customer service director of Gwent Specsavers Healthcall, said: “We are proud to support the creative writing competition in Monmouthshire. In the course of our visits to people who are being cared for in their homes or in care homes around the local area, we hear a wide range of inspirational stories that deserve to be heard. The competition acts as an ideal opportunity to celebrate both the fantastic care available in the area and the experiences of those who benefit from it.”

Heléna Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “We have had an overwhelming response to our Creative Writing Competition in recent years, receiving hundreds of poems and short stories that reflect the true realities of caring – resonating with all carers, no matter what their circumstances. Caring is such an important part of life, yet too often it is a hidden issue – something that happens behind closed doors. We hope that by reaching more families through this year’s Competition, carers will realise they are not alone and that Carers UK is here for them with advice, information and support, whenever they might need us.”

Entries can be submitted online at www.carersuk.org/creativewriting or sent in the post to Creative writing competition, Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX.