Moving On : Bolton Carers’ Experiences of Covid-19

In May 2021, the eyes of the country were on Bolton, as a sharp spike in Covid-19 infections put the town at the epicentre of the third wave of the pandemic. That moment, and the local response, deserves to be documented for posterity.

We wanted to recognise the tragedy of the pandemic – the lives lost and those forever changed – as well as the remarkable efforts of so many Boltonians in helping the town and its people come through the experience.

Bolton Carer Support, Bolton at Home and local socially engaged photographer Gwen Riley Jones teamed up to harness that collective energy to meet the challenges still to come, as Bolton looks to regroup and rebuild for the future, from the perspective of carers and former carers.

On 29^th July 2022, a small group of carers got together to share their stories of being a carer, and the effect that the covid-19 pandemic had on them and those they care for.

A decision was made by those involved that they would like to write and publish a book, highlighting their lived experiences of the period using words, pictures, poems, song lyrics and diary entries.

Our thanks go out to Gwen, Cath, Chris, Cynthia, Denise, Joe, Melanie, Tracy and our very own Peter for their contributions to the book.

We are glad to report that a limited supply of the books have been printed, and you can get hold of a copy for just £7.50.  All proceeds from the sale of the books will be donated to Bolton Carers Support