A special event featuring the screening of the documentary CARE – a new documentary film exploring life, love and loss on the frontline of care, all filmed entirely by a team of care home staff, will be held at Pontio in Bangor on Thursday 8th May at 5.30pm.
CARE tells the story of a residential care home as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was created entirely by the staff at a care home in the North East. It offers a glimpse into the dedication and compassion of the workers who care for some of the most vulnerable and often overlooked individuals in society.
As well as giving a unique and emotional insight into the lives of care home residents and workers, CARE also raises important questions about how we as a society value older people and those who care for them, and whether there is adequate support for those who bring such commitment and heart to residential care.
The film was produced by Newcastle University, in association with Tongue Tied Films, released with the support of the ESRC, and in partnership with Community Union, British Gerontology Society, Care England and Cosmic Cat Films. The release of CARE is supported by an ESRC IAA grant and Newcastle University.
Alastair Cole, director of CARE, commented: “CARE began as a response to the pandemic, and out of frustration at the overwhelmingly negative representation in the media of residential care in the UK. This was heightened at a time when care home staff, residents and their families were at the coalface of the global crisis.
As a project team, we wanted to bring together our backgrounds in gerontology, media and filmmaking, to try and find a way to work with some of the remarkable staff and residents to help tell another side to this story.
“We knew as soon as the remote camera workshops started we were incredibly fortunate to have found such a brilliant and enthusiastic team to work with in the home. Then when their footage started coming in, it was clear they had a very important story to tell.”
The film’s release, which comes five years after the start of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, aims to shine a light on not only the commitment of care staff but the realities of working in a sector that is often overlooked and underfunded.
The film also comes in the wake of the news of the UK Government’s planned care commission and reforms, which are not due to begin until 2026 at the earliest.
The film screening (37min) will be followed by panel discussion and Q&A (40min). The event is free, but space is limited, so please register for your ticket.
The event is part of UK wide, multi-city impact screening tour comes to cinemas and universities this April and May, kicking off in April as part of #CelebratingSocialCare Month.
The film and tour are call to action to improve working conditions for care staff, and welfare for residents, through giving a voice to care workers to support change in care-related policy and public awareness.
