Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Can’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 000
Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 22/05/2026It'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.ukWhich 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... 002
Reposted by Mike O'BrienPlaid Cymru @plaidcymru.bsky.social · 24/04/2026How will Plaid Cymru revive our economy? 🏴 Sut fydd Plaid Cymru'n adfywio'n economi? 🏴 03120
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 23/04/2026With 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.lyDropbox 111
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 22/04/2026See 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.ukSenedd Cymru electionsThe Senedd Cymru elections will be held on 7 May 2026. 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Want to know where you find polling station information? You can add your postcode here and find your local polling station wheredoivote.co.ukwheredoivote.co.ukWhere Do I Vote?We build digital tools to support everyone’s participation in UK democracy. 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Let’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-... 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 20/04/2026There'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/realitystoriesbit.lyRights To RealityDoes this form look suspicious? Report 011
Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 15/04/2026To 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.comSenedd Hustings 2026 Unpaid CarersSenedd Hustings 2026 Unpaid Carers 000
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES 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. 121
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 13/04/2026We’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? 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 12/04/2026Carer’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. 111
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 12/04/2026Carer’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. 101
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Time for some more myth busting #RightsToReality 001
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 11/04/2026For a full list of candidates and other info on the Senedd Election 2026 follow @LloydCymru on X. x.com/LloydCymrux.com 021
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 10/04/2026Today 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/realitystoriesbit.lyRights To RealityDoes this form look suspicious? Report 001
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 09/04/2026Let’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.walesRegister to voteFind out how to register online or by post to vote in Senedd and local elections in Wales. 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 09/04/2026Just 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.lyDropboxShared with Dropbox 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026Kat @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/realitystoriesyoutube.comStarting YouTube at 56! 🎥 #youtubeshorts #youtubejourney #startingoverafter50Starting a YouTube channel at fifty-six? talk about a leap of faith! 😳 #YouTubeJourney #SelfAcceptance #Inspiration #ageisjustanumber 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026Clare 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/realitystoriesoxfam.org.uk 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026It 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/ 121
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 07/04/2026Our 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.lyDropboxShared with Dropbox 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 07/04/2026We’re campaigning for annual public reporting on carer identification and assessment times. This Welsh Election, we demand accountability from our decision makers. #RightsToReality 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES 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/ #RightsToRealityvoices.walesJoin Us© Copyright VOICES ADFOCAD 2024. All rights reserved. Registered Charity Number - 1208150 001
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 06/04/2026It’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. 001
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Nearly 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/realitystoriesvoices.walesJoin Us© Copyright VOICES ADFOCAD 2024. All rights reserved. Registered Charity Number - 1208150 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 04/04/2026Some 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.walesElections and VotingEvery 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. 111
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 03/04/2026The 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... 111
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 03/04/2026This 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 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 03/04/2026Do you think support for unpaid carers should be a priority for the next Welsh Government? Tell us 👇 YES NO #RightsToReality 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienWe Care Campaign @wecarecampaign.bsky.social · 03/04/2026The 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 022
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Welsh 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.lyDropboxShared with Dropbox 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Our 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 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Only 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 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Caring 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 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Some 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 002
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Are you an unpaid carer in Wales? We want your voice in this campaign. www.goodhub.com/go/waleshust... 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Carers 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 🪧 011
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Unpaid 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 🪧 012
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Our manifesto sets out six clear asks for the next Welsh Government. Because carers deserve more than promises. We need rights turned into reality. 🧵 #RightsToReality 111
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES 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...bit.lyDropboxShared with Dropbox 001
Reposted by Mike O'BrienVOICES ADFOCAD @voiceswales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Today at 9am we launch our #RightsToReality campaign #ValueCarers #SeneddElection2026 001
Mike O'Brien @mikeo56977865.bsky.social · 17/11/2025Do give this fantastic article on unpaid carers a read. Written by the Visual Journalist Lois Barnett . vjs.shorthandstories.com/caring-witho...vjs.shorthandstories.comThe Carers Who Never Get a BreakBreaking Point 020
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. 000
Reposted by Mike O'BrienWe Care Campaign @wecarecampaign.bsky.social · 17/02/2025Laura my co-host on “Care Fully Considered” has written a new blog. Workspite not respite! numbereighteeninthecorner.blog/2025/02/17/w...numbereighteeninthecorner.blogWorkspiteThe 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… 132