I'm sure you'll agree we do it an awful lot. Some, you will have noticed, do it more than others. I'm doing it now. But why? What's our fascination with communication?

The old B.T. advert claimed, "It's good to talk" and as a species we conspire to find more, varied and complex ways to carry out this age old urge to communicate; talking, writing, printing, ‘phoning, emailing, texting and blogging, we're always at it. Not that we necessarily see an exponential growth in useful information or lyrical language. Have you ever actually read someone's blog? As an experiment (and this is a game you can play) I searched online for a blog in my own name, to see what other Tim Pooles are desperate to share. Here's something I found - no, really...

A wild thought popped into my brain. What will the future look like? Will it remain the same or will it change to a "futuristic" look. When I say future, I don't mean flying cars and such although that could be the future. I mean the look of the world and its objects ...

Thanks Tim Poole, single, of Clearwater, Florida but unfortunately you do not win the Creative Writing Award at this year's Prize Giving.

Sometimes, then, it's definitely not good to talk. However, when we ask Carers what advice they would pass on to others in their situation, talking often comes high on the list. I was at a meeting recently with some Carers where the subject of passing on advice was raised. "Try and join a Carers' Support Group if possible", said Barbara from Prestbury, "It's wonderful to mix with people who know how you really feel". Sue, from Gloucester added, "Link up with other Carers, people in a similar situation to yourself. Just knowing you are not the only one is tremendously powerful."  

For Elizabeth from Cheltenham this message is more apposite than for most. Her son first became ill at the age of 18, his behaviour becoming more and more unusual and unpredictable. "After a lot of emotional upheaval and persistence, my son finally became involved with mental health services and when I first met the nurse from the team I was able to tell her so much; she listened and I realised how traumatic the experience of supporting my son had been.

From a Carer's perspective it can be hard to see old friends, when they ask me about my son and tell me how well their children are doing. People tend to steer clear of the subject of mental illness but the more we talk about it the more we can beat the stigma".

A Problem Shared...

Crucially, for Elizabeth, being able to open up to her peers had made a significant difference. "I have found a lot of comfort in talking to other Carers in a similar situation and I have made long lasting friendships with people who understand, accept and need no explanation. It has really helped to recognise my grief - the loss of the son I had but also the need to stay positive and still have hopes and aspirations for him, even if they have changed."

At Carers Gloucestershire we would whole heartedly endorse the ‘It's Good To Talk' message for Carers, and we provide a range of opportunities to do so. But however you do it, talk. If you don't know where to start, give us a call.

Terry, from the Forest of Dean concludes, "Don't wait too long before you reach out to other Carers; they can help you, sit with you, listen to what you have to say - you won't shock them. So, reach out - there are people who want to help."

That's the future, Tim of Florida.