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Mike O'Brien

@mikeo56977865.bsky.social
128 followers 108 following 29 posts

Representing unpaid carers as an unpaid carer rep on Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board. DM's are open. Email - mike@voices.wales Views my own.

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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Can’t make it to this year’s Cardiff and Vale unpaid carers assembly? Join us via livestream at the following link: voices.wales/livestreams/ Livestream will go live at 10am on Thursday October 1st 2026
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
It's looking like it's going to be a scorcher over the next several days. Stay hydrated, check any ceiling fans a turning in the right direction (anti-clockwise) and check on any elderly, disabled or vulnerable neighbours, family and friends. www.ceiling-fan.co.uk/which-direct...
ceiling-fan.co.uk
Which direction should a ceiling fan turn in summer and winter?
Understanding the correct blade rotation direction is crucial for optimizing its efficiency. During the summer months, it is recommended that the blades rotate in the...
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Plaid Cymru @plaidcymru.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
How will Plaid Cymru revive our economy? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Sut fydd Plaid Cymru'n adfywio'n economi? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
With only a fortnight until Senedd Elections can you share our Unpaid Carers Manifesto to call for real action by candidates to truly support and value Wales 300,000 carers? bit.ly/rightstoreal...
bit.ly
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
See whether your local MS candidates this election, are on social media with this tool 💬from @democlub whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/se... Please share so together we can call for #unpaidcarers rights to become a reality in this election.
whocanivotefor.co.uk
Senedd Cymru elections
The Senedd Cymru elections will be held on 7 May 2026.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Want to know where you find polling station information? You can add your postcode here and find your local polling station wheredoivote.co.uk
wheredoivote.co.uk
Where Do I Vote?
We build digital tools to support everyone’s participation in UK democracy.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Let’s do a big push to get carers and their loved ones registered to vote. Deadline today Please RT 🕕Register to vote by midnight on 20 April 🕔For postal vote in Wales – register by 5pm on 21 April gov.uk/register-to-...
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
There's strength in numbers 💪💪💪Can you share our campaign with friends and family on your WhatsApp groups or message a friend and ask them to join us today? #RightsToReality bit.ly/realitystories
bit.ly
Rights To Reality
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
To view and take part in the Unpaid Carers Hustings this evening from 7pm. We are using YouTube to livestream the event and viewers can use the chat function (which will be monitored) to ask any questions which will be put to the candidates by our host Tom www.youtube.com/channel/UCWr...
youtube.com
Senedd Hustings 2026 Unpaid Carers
Senedd Hustings 2026 Unpaid Carers
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
🧵 THREAD: Dear decision makers in Wales… We are unpaid carers. We support loved ones every day, often without enough help.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
We’ve spent the last week sharing carers’ real stories. Now it’s time for something simple: 👉 Listen. Unpaid carers across Wales are telling you what life is really like. Will you hear us?
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Carer’s Allowance was introduced in 1976. The world has changed. Caring has changed. But the benefit meant to support carers? Barely has. Today, unpaid carers provide the backbone of the UK’s care system, often 24/7, often at the cost of their own health, income, and future security.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Carer’s Allowance turns 50 this year. Half a century of unpaid carers holding up the social care system and half a century of being paid less than anyone else receiving a UK benefit. Carers are saving the state billions every year. Carers are keeping families together.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Time for some more myth busting #RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
For a full list of candidates and other info on the Senedd Election 2026 follow @LloydCymru on X. x.com/LloydCymru
x.com
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Today or this weekend, can you take some time to share your story as part of our campaign? We know that quiet moments are a rare & precious thing for carers but we’d really value your support #fearlessfriday Share your story here bit.ly/realitystories
bit.ly
Rights To Reality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Let’s get the voices of carers, and those who are cared for, heard this Welsh Election 🗳️ Make sure you’re registered to vote on the day of the election or to complete a postal vote. More info here ➡️ senedd.wales/how-we-work/...
senedd.wales
Register to vote
Find out how to register online or by post to vote in Senedd and local elections in Wales.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Just four weeks to go until the Welsh election today 🗳️Can you share our Unpaid Carers Manifesto with your local candidate? #carers bit.ly/rightstoreal....
bit.ly
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Kat @DementiaWho has been sharing her caring story online and on You Tube. Take a look at her You tube channel for a different way to share your story www.youtube.com/shorts/ia7-F... Share your story here bit.ly/realitystories
youtube.com
Starting YouTube at 56! 🎥 #youtubeshorts #youtubejourney #startingoverafter50
Starting a YouTube channel at fifty-six? talk about a leap of faith! 😳 #YouTubeJourney #SelfAcceptance #Inspiration #ageisjustanumber
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Clare shared her caring story in Voices Oxfam Read it here to see what resonates with you www.oxfam.org.uk/documents/79... You can share your story here bit.ly/realitystories
oxfam.org.uk
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
It might not feel like a big thing, but by sharing our stories of caring, we can build our movement and grow our power 💪Can you join us today and share your story? Thread 🧵 1/2 Join us 🪧 www.voices.wales/join-us/
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Our campaign asks to end the postcode lottery of care. Setting national standards for assessments across all Wales. Can you take a minute now to share our Unpaid Carers Manifesto? How would it make a difference to your life? #valuecarers bit.ly/rightstoreal...
bit.ly
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
We’re campaigning for annual public reporting on carer identification and assessment times. This Welsh Election, we demand accountability from our decision makers. #RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
#MondayMotivation Let’s make sure our future MSs hear us talk about the day-to-day reality of caring this Election. Join us ⬇️ www.voices.wales/join-us/ #RightsToReality
voices.wales
Join Us
© Copyright VOICES ADFOCAD 2024. All rights reserved. Registered Charity Number - 1208150
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
It’s stress awareness month and more than three-quarters (77%) of carers feel stressed or anxious, and 2 in 3 (66%) struggle to get a good night's sleep. This Election, @VoicesWales are calling for year round funding for breaks.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Nearly everyone knows someone who is an unpaid carer for someone – a parent or partner - but hardly anyone talks about it. This Welsh Election let's get heard 📢 Join our campaign, tell us your story www.voices.wales/join-us/ Story link - bit.ly/realitystories
voices.wales
Join Us
© Copyright VOICES ADFOCAD 2024. All rights reserved. Registered Charity Number - 1208150
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Some useful websites to check out for information regarding the Senedd election 2026: senedd.wales/how-we-work/... If people are on Instagram - this is a great site they might like to follow over the election period. www.instagram.com/seneddexplai...
senedd.wales
Elections and Voting
Every time an election or referendum is held in Wales, it’s a chance for you to use your voice and have your say, to shape the future of Wales.
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The Senedd Health and Social Care Committee recently published a damning report that show the next Welsh Government needs to do much better than previous governments when it comes to supporting unpaid carers. Read the full report here: laiddocuments.senedd.wales/cr-ld18045-e...
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
This campaign is powered by carers and people who care about them. If you believe carers deserve better support: ✔️ Share the campaign ✔️ Follow our work ✔️ Add your voice Together we can turn rights into reality. 🪧 #RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Do you think support for unpaid carers should be a priority for the next Welsh Government? Tell us 👇 YES NO #RightsToReality
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We Care Campaign @wecarecampaign.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The latest episode of "Care Fully Considered" is out. Listen to Bhulla Beghal and Carla Mellor talk about film making and poetry writing as well as ways we can all tell our own stories. For the full episode listen here buff.ly/Jg9IPkD
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Welsh election candidates are starting their campaigns. We’re asking them one simple question: Will you turn carers’ rights into reality? 🪧 #RightsToReality Tag your candidates Send them our manifesto bit.ly/rightstoreal...
bit.ly
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Our asks for the next Welsh Government include: ✔️ National standards for carers’ assessments ✔️ Guaranteed access to breaks ✔️ Better identification of carers ✔️ Real accountability Because carers shouldn’t fall through the cracks. 🪧 #RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Only a small proportion of carers receive the support they’re entitled to. Too many carers are invisible to the system. If carers aren’t identified early, support comes too late. That has to change. 🪧#RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Caring can mean: • giving up work • paying extra costs • missing your own medical appointments • living with constant exhaustion Yet carers save Wales billions every year. Support shouldn’t depend on luck or postcode. 🪧 #RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Some carers wait months for assessments. Others are told they aren’t eligible. Some are given a YouTube link instead of real support. That’s not what carers’ rights were meant to be. 🪧 #RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Are you an unpaid carer in Wales? We want your voice in this campaign. www.goodhub.com/go/waleshust...
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Carers in Wales already have legal rights: ✔️ a carer’s assessment ✔️ information and advice ✔️ advocacy ✔️ support for wellbeing But many carers never receive them. The gap between rights and reality is too big. #RightsToReality 🪧
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Unpaid carers contribute £10.8 billion to the Welsh economy every year. Yet many carers: • wait months for assessments • struggle to access breaks • don’t even know their rights Rights shouldn’t sit in policy documents. They should work in real life. #RightsToReality 🪧
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Our manifesto sets out six clear asks for the next Welsh Government. Because carers deserve more than promises. We need rights turned into reality. 🧵 #RightsToReality
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
📢Today we’re launching our campaign for the Welsh election. From Rights to Reality 🪧 Unpaid carers in Wales already have rights. But too often those rights exist on paper, not in practice. It’s time to change that. #RightsToReality #ValueCarers See our manifesto here: bit.ly/rightstoreal...
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VOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Today at 9am we launch our #RightsToReality campaign #ValueCarers #SeneddElection2026
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Do give this fantastic article on unpaid carers a read. Written by the Visual Journalist Lois Barnett . vjs.shorthandstories.com/caring-witho...
vjs.shorthandstories.com
The Carers Who Never Get a Break
Breaking Point
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Know your rights! Fight for them!
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
#WelfareNotWarfare #DisabilityRebellion Join us today between 12 and 4pm where we will be holding an online protest against the proposed welfare cuts using the above hashtags.
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Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
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We Care Campaign @wecarecampaign.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Laura my co-host on “Care Fully Considered” has written a new blog. Workspite not respite! numbereighteeninthecorner.blog/2025/02/17/w...
numbereighteeninthecorner.blog
Workspite
The author reflects on their airport experience while traveling to the AI Action Summit in Paris. After a long hiatus from travel, the excitement of being away from their caregiving role provided m…
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