The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring by Hugh Marriott.
At Opening Doors, we understand that:
“Their (Carers) job is often long, lonely and hard, yet there is limited support and no formal training. As a result, Carers suffer frequent damage to physical and mental health”, (Hugh Marriot).
We are working VERY hard to overcome this by providing Carers with access to up-to-date information on the services that are available to them across the City as well as to develop and deliver the training that Cares want and need.
We also understand how difficult it can be to take the first step to start to think about yourself and your own needs therefore we are offering the “Selfish Pigs Guide to Caring” to Carers on a long term loan basis to enable you to begin your journey with a clear(ish) head and have a laugh while you prepare yourself—even if this is the only step you take .. It’s still a step.
If you want us to send a copy to you to borrow (for as long as you need it) just call us on 0121 675 8161 or pop in to the Carers Centre, 130 Colmore Row and speak to Jane. (Please call first so that we can make sure that we have a copy for you)
BOOK REVIEW - from a Carers perspective
The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring by Hugh Marriott.
This book is for those of us who have come reluctantly to caring for someone with a long-term disability and who se
cretly feel bad about our unwillingness.
In a highly entertaining manner the author, himself a carer of his partner who has Huntingdon’s Disease, tackles the really difficult issues of “What if you didn’t care?", “Pushing them down the stairs”, “Are you the one who needs looking after?” “Officialdom and Chaos Theory” and “Tips which the experts don’t tell you”
The suggestions for managing your life with your piglet (Person I Give Love & Endless Therapy) to reduce frustrations and despair are done in a way that is not only hilariously funny but also unpretentious. Making a conscious decision not to want what you can’t have and “going at piglet pace” are just two of many really sound guidelines.
It addresses issues that as a carer you can hardly bear to admit to yourself. It acknowledges that you are on your own and like it or not you have to survive or your piglet suffers.
This is a book that I predict will revolutionize the awareness of carers; already I feel empowered by its refreshing and liberating straight talking.
Glenys Thomas formerly tutor on DipSw/CSS/CQSW and Lecturer in Group Work in the West Midlands before becoming a carer.
