Latest news with #ColinDavidson
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
One in three Brits expect to become an unpaid carer in the next decade
Many people become carers overnight, with no training and little idea where to turn. A new survey has revealed a majority of people expect to find themselves in a similar situation One in three Britons anticipate becoming an unpaid carer within the next decade on average, yet nearly half confess they wouldn't know where to seek support when that moment arrives. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed 62 per cent fear they'll need to provide increasing levels of care for ageing parents or relatives as their health deteriorates. However, 46 per cent remain oblivious to the services on offer for those unable to leave their homes. The study was commissioned by Specsavers Home Visits as part of its Most Valuable Portrait campaign, which honours the hidden role of unpaid carers through a portrait by renowned artist Colin Davidson. Showcasing carer Jaycee Le Bouche, the portrait seeks to highlight carers' selflessness and commitment, and has been symbolically 'priced' at £184 billion - matching the value of the invisible care system in the UK - by auction house Roseberys. Chris Smith, director of Specsavers Home Visits, said: "When a loved one becomes ill, it can turn your life on its head - both practically and emotionally. "Many people become carers overnight, with no training and little idea where to turn, which can be overwhelming, especially while juggling work and a personal life in tandem." A study has revealed that two thirds of people believe unpaid carers don't get the recognition or support they deserve, despite their contribution being worth an estimated £184 billion a year to the UK economy, according to Carers UK. Despite this significant figure, almost half underestimate the contribution of unpaid carers by billions. When asked what they associated most with being an unpaid carer, seven in ten pointed to cooking, cleaning and other household tasks. A further 67 per cent said helping with washing, dressing and mobility is a key responsibility, while 62 per cent believe managing medical appointments - including eye tests and hearing checks - plays a major part. The research also revealed two in three regularly think about whether they may one day need care themselves, and 43 per cent said a major life event would be the trigger to begin such conversations with loved ones. A third would feel more comfortable discussing future care if they knew what options were available, according to the survey, conducted via OnePoll. While 29 per cent would be more open if they had a clearer understanding of the financial impact of not planning ahead. Chris Smith added: "Unpaid carers shouldn't have to do it alone. That's why we're doing our bit through our Home Visits service - delivering essential eye and ear care at home to help ease the load and support both carers and those they look after."
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bangor: Residents 'stonewalled' over questions on £1.3m sculpture
Some North Down residents claim to have been "stonewalled" when asking questions about a £1.3m sculpture project in Bangor Waterfront Art Installation is to be part of the redevelopment of Bangor seafront, but some residents have questioned the cost of the sculptures and how they were some other public art projects commissioned by councils in Northern Ireland, there was no public competition or tender for the Bangor and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC) said that "in discussion with the principal funder, the Department for Communities, the council decided to commission Colin Davidson via direct award". The Department for Communities (DfC) said that "the procurement route taken by the council was in compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015". What are the sculptures? According to a press release from the DfC in March, the Bangor Waterfront Art Installation will be a series of three main piece will be "a six-metre-tall set of hands entitled 'Hope Returning'," in bronze, with two smaller sculptures located at Pickie Park and Eisenhower smaller sculptures will be of hands creating the shape of a crab and a piece will also include a QR code linking people to information and stories of the three pieces will be created and made by artist Davidson, who lives in the Davidson is a well-known visual artist and also made the bust of Senator George Mitchell outside Queen's University to DfC, the total cost of the installations is estimated to be in the region of £1.287m, of which DfC will contribute £ remainder of the funding - more than £200,000 - will be met by ANDBCSome residents from the Ards and North Down Resident's Voice group have questioned how the contract for the sculptures was awarded. What questions do the residents have? Rosemary Howell from the resident's group claimed they had been "stonewalled" when asking questions about the sculptures."We've tried to make the council, and council officers and councillors accountable," she said."We really have not been given any satisfactory answers."We don't have an issue with the artist but why was there no tender? And why therefore was there no competition for this?"I think it is lovely that there is artwork going for Bangor."But we're ratepayers, it's our money." Joyce Craig, who is also in the group, said the rates in the council area had gone up by almost 6% in 2024-25 and 3.65% in 2025-26."When we've seen other pieces of artwork go up around Northern Ireland, it's all gone to tender," she told BBC News NI."So it gives artists in the whole of Northern Ireland, and various other places, the opportunity to be honoured to put a piece of artwork up in their local town, to be there forever."So when we realised that this, for some reason, didn't go to tender, we couldn't understand why Ards and North Down Borough Council were different to other councils?"Ian Jordan from Newtownards told BBC News NI that "there's a general concern that the ratepayer isn't being acknowledged in what they're paying into the council and how the money is being spent, whether it's being spent judiciously or not"."The council's own constitution talks about engaging with the public and stakeholders and the rest of that political speak and nobody feels as if the public have been engaged on any sort of level at all in relation to how this sculpture has come about to be considered," he continued."Any time we've made approaches to the council we feel as if we're being stonewalled." Public art in Northern Ireland Some other large-scale public art installations commissioned by councils in Northern Ireland were put out to includes the Rise installation, known as "the balls on the Falls," advertised for competition by Belfast City Council in Nottingham-based artist Wolfgang Buttress was selected to make the piece from over 40 competing to Belfast City Council, Rise cost £486,000, with £330,000 coming from the then Department for Social Development, £100,000 from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland - via Lottery funding - and £56,000 from Belfast City recently, an artwork to remember local shirt factory workers in Londonderry's Harbour Square was also advertised for tender by Derry City and Strabane District Council in artwork was tendered for £190,000 as part of an overall £1.3m redevelopment of Harbour former shirt factory workers have been critical of the finished piece. Council and Stormont response BBC News NI also put a series of questions to the council and the department about the department said: "Ards and North Down Borough Council identified the opportunity to work with the artist, Colin Davidson, and approached the Department for grant funding assistance of £1.05m to support the delivery of an iconic art project for Bangor"."While the procurement exercise is a matter for Ards and North Down Borough Council, the Department did seek advice from the Department of Finance on this matter."Regulation 32 (2) (b) (i) of The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 allows for the direct procurement of a unique piece of art."That regulation allows an authority to award a contract for "acquisition of a unique work of art or artistic performance" without prior publication. 'Extremely exciting project' The department said the council had published "a Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency (VEAT) notice on the 'Find a Tender' national portal," on 1 March 2024.A Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency Notice (VEAT) is a notice published by a contracting authority to announce a decision to award a contract without first having published a tender response to BBC News NI, ANDBC said they had "identified an opportunity to secure the services of blue-chip artist Colin Davidson".They also said the council funding was "from our capital reserves fund (underspends from various service budgets in previous years) and therefore there is no additional cost to the ratepayers from this project"."In discussion with the principal funder, the Department for Communities, the council decided to commission Colin Davidson via direct award," the council said."As such no public competition was held, however a VEAT notice (Voluntary Ex-Ante Transparency Notice) was published on the e-tenders national portal to alert any alternative suppliers that the Council intended to award the proposed contract."This allowed 30 days for anyone wishing to challenge, to do so."No challenges were submitted."The council has also put information on the "art-led regeneration" of Bangor on the council website."It is anticipated that the three artworks will be assembled and installed by Summer 2026," the council said."This is an extremely exciting project for Bangor."When approached by BBC News NI, Davidson said he had decided not to make any comment.
North Wales Live
05-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Powerful portrait revealed to hail Britain's invisible unpaid carers
Unpaid carers provide care worth a staggering £184 billion every year, yet many feel invisible and undervalued, with over half (55%) wanting more recognition from the public. To highlight the incredible yet often overlooked contributions carers make to society, a powerfully unfiltered depiction of unpaid carers in the UK has today been unveiled. Created by critically acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, known for his portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, former US President Bill Clinton, and musician Ed Sheeran, Specsavers Home Visits and Carers UK's 'The Most Valuable Portrait' has been assigned a symbolic value of £184 billion by Roseberys, a leading London fine art auction house. This valuation is equivalent to the estimated economic value of support provided by unpaid carers in the UK and comparable to the cost of a second NHS, underscoring the immense value of the care that UK carers provide to a family member or friend who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older. While the striking portrait features the face of Jaycee La Bouche, who cares for her mother, it also represents the myriad of British carers and their experiences. In developing the portrait, Colin Davidson listened to the stories and experiences of numerous carers, ensuring their voices were captured in his work. 'It was an honour to create 'The Most Valuable Portrait'. This artwork is not just about one person; it represents all the unpaid carers who deserve to be seen and valued. For me, it was a special commission to capture these unsung heroes who contribute as much to society as the celebrated public figures I typically paint', Davidson said. The artwork aims to raise awareness and promote public recognition of the love, selfless hard work, and dedication of unpaid carers across the UK. This is seen by Specsavers Home Visits colleagues each and every day, as they deliver eye care and hearing services to those who cannot leave their home unaccompanied. A Specsavers Home Visits director, Chris Smith, explains: 'Our Home Visits colleagues are in people's homes every day seeing first-hand the incredible support carers give to their loved ones. We recognise that caring for someone with a physical or mental illness often means making extra arrangements to meet their health needs. It's so important unpaid carers and their loved ones get the support and also the recognition they deserve.' Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, comments: 'Without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would collapse. Carers UK is excited to be part of 'The Most Valuable Portrait', working with Specsavers Home Visits to raise awareness and put carers' stories in the spotlight. We want to see greater acknowledgment for the true value of unpaid care, a lifeline for many that often goes unrecognised.' Latest data suggests that around 1 in 10 people in England and Wales are unpaid carers, but the true figure is much higher, as many do not immediately recognise themselves as carers. In fact, over a third (36%) take more than three years to realise they have become a carer meaning they may be missing out on vital support available to them. A staggering 82% of carers surveyed by Carers UK said the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge over the coming year, with nearly 60% adding that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing. The subject of the portrait, UK carer Jaycee La Bouche says: 'It is such an honour to have had my story and experience as a carer immortalised in a portrait, which was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery and now on public display at South Bank in London. Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me; and one I embrace wholeheartedly. Home services like Specsavers' eye tests are invaluable in ensuring people like my mother who cannot leave their home without help, can still receive the care they need.' William Summerfield, Associate Director & Head of Modern British & 20th Century Art at Roseberys, who valued the artwork, comments, "This extraordinary symbolic valuation reflects the immense, yet often overlooked, worth of care in our society. It serves as a powerful tribute to the vital contributions of carers who so often remain hidden.' Specsavers Home Visits understands the challenges of caring for someone. If the family member or friend they care for is eligible, its team of experts will provide a comprehensive free NHS-funded eye test in the comfort of their own home, with all the same care and expertise as you would receive in-store. Specsavers also now offers a home hearing visit service in selected parts of the country. Chris Smith adds: 'For many, organising a trip to the opticians or to see a hearing expert for the person they care for can feel like a real challenge – but it doesn't have to be. Through our Home Visits service, we support carers by bringing these vital services directly to their loved one's homes, making the process easier and more accessible.'
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Powerful portrait revealed to hail Britain's invisible unpaid carers
Powerful portrait revealed to hail Britain's invisible unpaid carers To highlight the incredible yet often overlooked contributions carers make to society, a powerfully unfiltered depiction of unpaid carers in the UK has been unveiled. *** FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE *** 'The Most Valuable Portrait', unveiled by Specsavers Home Visits and Carers UK. The portrait features Jaycee La Bouche, an unpaid carer, and is symbolically valued at £184 billion - the same amount as the unpaid care system in the UK. (Image: PinPep ) Unpaid carers provide care worth a staggering £184 billion every year, yet many feel invisible and undervalued, with over half (55%) wanting more recognition from the public. To highlight the incredible yet often overlooked contributions carers make to society, a powerfully unfiltered depiction of unpaid carers in the UK has today been unveiled. Created by critically acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, known for his portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, former US President Bill Clinton, and musician Ed Sheeran, Specsavers Home Visits and Carers UK's 'The Most Valuable Portrait' has been assigned a symbolic value of £184 billion by Roseberys, a leading London fine art auction house. Specsavers and Carers UK - The Most Valuable Portrait This valuation is equivalent to the estimated economic value of support provided by unpaid carers in the UK and comparable to the cost of a second NHS, underscoring the immense value of the care that UK carers provide to a family member or friend who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older. While the striking portrait features the face of Jaycee La Bouche, who cares for her mother, it also represents the myriad of British carers and their experiences. Article continues below In developing the portrait, Colin Davidson listened to the stories and experiences of numerous carers, ensuring their voices were captured in his work. 'It was an honour to create 'The Most Valuable Portrait'. This artwork is not just about one person; it represents all the unpaid carers who deserve to be seen and valued. For me, it was a special commission to capture these unsung heroes who contribute as much to society as the celebrated public figures I typically paint', Davidson said. The artwork aims to raise awareness and promote public recognition of the love, selfless hard work, and dedication of unpaid carers across the UK. This is seen by Specsavers Home Visits colleagues each and every day, as they deliver eye care and hearing services to those who cannot leave their home unaccompanied. A Specsavers Home Visits director, Chris Smith, explains: 'Our Home Visits colleagues are in people's homes every day seeing first-hand the incredible support carers give to their loved ones. We recognise that caring for someone with a physical or mental illness often means making extra arrangements to meet their health needs. It's so important unpaid carers and their loved ones get the support and also the recognition they deserve.' Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, comments: 'Without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would collapse. Carers UK is excited to be part of 'The Most Valuable Portrait', working with Specsavers Home Visits to raise awareness and put carers' stories in the spotlight. We want to see greater acknowledgment for the true value of unpaid care, a lifeline for many that often goes unrecognised.' Latest data suggests that around 1 in 10 people in England and Wales are unpaid carers, but the true figure is much higher, as many do not immediately recognise themselves as carers. In fact, over a third (36%) take more than three years to realise they have become a carer meaning they may be missing out on vital support available to them. A staggering 82% of carers surveyed by Carers UK said the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge over the coming year, with nearly 60% adding that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing. The subject of the portrait, UK carer Jaycee La Bouche says: 'It is such an honour to have had my story and experience as a carer immortalised in a portrait, which was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery and now on public display at South Bank in London. Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me; and one I embrace wholeheartedly. Home services like Specsavers' eye tests are invaluable in ensuring people like my mother who cannot leave their home without help, can still receive the care they need.' William Summerfield, Associate Director & Head of Modern British & 20th Century Art at Roseberys, who valued the artwork, comments, "This extraordinary symbolic valuation reflects the immense, yet often overlooked, worth of care in our society. It serves as a powerful tribute to the vital contributions of carers who so often remain hidden.' Article continues below Specsavers Home Visits understands the challenges of caring for someone. If the family member or friend they care for is eligible, its team of experts will provide a comprehensive free NHS-funded eye test in the comfort of their own home, with all the same care and expertise as you would receive in-store. Specsavers also now offers a home hearing visit service in selected parts of the country. Chris Smith adds: 'For many, organising a trip to the opticians or to see a hearing expert for the person they care for can feel like a real challenge – but it doesn't have to be. Through our Home Visits service, we support carers by bringing these vital services directly to their loved one's homes, making the process easier and more accessible.'
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
One in 11 UK adults are unpaid carers - and the majority feel undervalued
A study of more than 13,000 carers found it takes a third more than three years to realise they are carers at all. In the UK, one in 11 individuals provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, elderly or disabled, a contribution estimated to be worth £184 billion annually. However, the actual figure could be even higher, as research involving over 13,000 carers reveals that 36% take more than three years to recognise their role as carers. Despite their significant contribution, 55% of carers still feel undervalued. To highlight their dedication, Specsavers Home Visits has teamed up with charity Carers UK and artist Colin Davidson to reveal The Most Valuable Portrait. Symbolically valued at £184 billion by auction house Roseberys, the portrait features carer Jaycee La Bouche, who cares for her mother, serving as a powerful tribute to the millions of carers across Britain. Chris Smith, a director of Specsavers Home Visits service for those unable to access a store unaccompanied, commented: "Our colleagues are in people's homes every day, seeing first-hand the incredible support carers give to their loved ones. "We recognise that caring for someone with a physical or mental illness often means making extra arrangements to meet their health needs. It's so important unpaid carers and their loved ones get the support – and the recognition – they deserve." Colin Davidson, renowned for his portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, former US President Bill Clinton, and musician Ed Sheeran, said: "It was an honour to create The Most Valuable Portrait." This artwork is not just about one person; it represents all the unpaid carers who deserve to be seen and valued. For me, it was a special commission to capture these unsung heroes, who contribute as much to society as the celebrated public figures I typically paint." A staggering eight out of ten carers believe that the toll of their role on their physical and mental health will be an escalating issue in the coming year. The subject of the portrait, Jaycee La Bouche, expressed: "It is such an honour to have had my story and experience as a carer immortalised in a portrait." She added: "Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me, and one I embrace wholeheartedly." Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, added: "Without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would collapse. We are excited to be part of The Most Valuable Portrait to raise awareness and put carers' stories in the spotlight. "We want to see greater acknowledgment of the true value of unpaid care-a lifeline for many that often goes unrecognised." The portrait, which was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery is now on public display at London's South Bank at Observation Point until Sunday 1 June, and will be available to purchase via an online auction with all proceeds going to Carers UK.
