New portrait honours unpaid carers in the UK who provide support worth £184b a year
Share this @internewscast.com

In the UK, one in 11 individuals selflessly provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, elderly or disabled, a contribution estimated to be worth a staggering £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 say they still feel undervalued.

To shine a light on their dedication, Specsavers Home Visits has joined forces with charity Carers UK and artist Colin Davidson to unveil 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, remarked: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Eight in ten carers anticipate the impact of caring on their physical and mental health will be a growing challenge in the year ahead. Jaycee La Bouche, the focus of the artistic tribute, shared her gratitude, saying: “It is such an honour to have had my story and experience as a carer immortalised in a portrait.”

She continued: “Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me, and one I embrace wholeheartedly.”

Helen Walker, head of Carers UK, spoke out regarding the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers stating: “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.”

She went on to emphasise: “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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“I Tried Removing My Rotten Teeth with a Shoelace – It Wasn’t as Easy as I Expected”

A man who ‘sawed out’ his rotten teeth with a shoelace has…

Why a Remote American Community Faces a Surge in Severe Birth Defects

It’s the northernmost state in America, made up of remote towns and…

Revolutionary Finding Set to Increase Autism Diagnoses, Impacting One American Group the Most

Groundbreaking new autism research suggests that already-rising diagnoses could jump more significantly…

Doctors Dismissed My Heart Flutter as Anxiety, Until I Coughed Up Blood

Lindsay Herriott, 40, had an easy pregnancy, giving birth in September 2022…

Artificial Sweetener Potentially Connected to Highly Aggressive Brain Cancer

A recent Chinese study has uncovered a concerning relationship between aspartame, a…

UKHSA Releases ‘Disease Prevention’ Alert for International Travelers

As summer getaways approach, countless Brits are eagerly preparing for their breaks,…

NHS Advises Wimbledon Fans to Pack This Essential Item

Wimbledon’s Championships are among the biggest sporting events of the year, attracting…

Mitigate Your Dementia Risk: Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Aging

It’s commonly assumed that dementia is simply an inevitable part of growing…

New Research Approves Breakfast Beverage for Diabetics

A new study has uncovered that people with type 2 diabetes can…

How Missing NHS Tests Led to Vision Loss in One Eye

When Matt Weale visited the optician, the worst thing he expected was…

Nighttime Routine Might Be Elevating Your Heart Disease Risk

A common habit may be increasing your risk of  heart disease, heart…