Artists join forces in new project dedicated to carers
Caring for someone who is ill is a very involved task that requires many sacrifices. Despite this, caregivers are often underestimated and their problems are rarely spoken about out loud. At the initiative of the Nutricia Foundation, as part of the sixth edition of the educational campaign 'Medical nutrition - Your meals in the fight against illness', a new place has been created where a carer will be able to draw strength and motivation from the experiences of others, as well as become supportive by sharing their story - the @JestemOpiekunem profile on Instagram. The initiative involved, among others, the singer Natalia Kukulska, cultural manager and journalist Marcel Andino Velez - well-known people who, like all of us, struggle with the problem of illness among their loved ones and, despite such personal issues, decided to share them with others. The emotions of the protagonists were captured by the photographer Marta Wojtal, who works with some of Poland's biggest stars on a daily basis.
Profile @I'mAsAmProtector is to provide expert support to carers and their clients in areas such as nutrition in illness and psychological support, among others.
Who is the carer?
Understanding another person's situation is key to providing appropriate support. This is why it is so important that we both recognise the social role of carers in the process of fighting for the health of the sick, and look at each carer individually - learning about the problems, concerns and needs of that particular carer next to us.
The initiators of the @JestemKeeper profile decided to show care in its most diverse dimensions, through the stories of individual carers - their worries, joys and hopes. - A carer can be anyone, whether they are the one with the most responsibilities or support in certain situations, whether they are young or old, active or not. It can be a person from your immediate environment or someone you watch on stage or in the cinema - says Natalia Kukulska, involved in the initiative, who shared her experiences.
Recognise the carer
Instagram became the place to talk about carers for a reason, and an esteemed photographer was involved in its launch. The initiators of the campaign were keen for the carer to really get noticed and gain widespread attention, and in turn receive practical support from those around them and learn about solutions to help them in their daily care. - Our session was symbolic. All the lenses and flashes were directed at the carers. I would have liked to have seen them as prominently - says photographer Marta Wojtal. She adds: - Projects in which real stories are shown are the greatest pleasure and at the same time the greatest challenge. I am extremely happy to have been part of this campaign.
In addition to the premiere photos taken during the photo shoot, the profile will feature photos along with stories of carers from across the country. The initiators encourage people to share their experiences and build a full, diverse carer profile.
Provide the necessary support
- From my daily work with patients and their relatives, I know how difficult it is sometimes to reach out for support. It is not uncommon to find that it is within reach after one conversation. It will be my task and that of other health care professionals to educate @It'sMyCaregiver about possible solutions, such as medical nutrition. The use of medical nutrition when malnutrition is at risk or occurring can improve a patient's wellbeing and effectively support difficult treatment. It also supports the carer in the daily care of the patient - says Honorata Kołodziejczyk, a nurse from the Nutrimed nutrition clinic, an expert in the educational campaign 'Medical nutrition - Your meals in the fight against illness', which includes the @JestemOpiekunem profile.
Link to profile: https://www.instagram.com/jestemopiekunem/