The PROPS audio dramas and short documentaries began with the writing and photographs of diverse group of people in support roles. Here are some of the pictures and perspectives.
Props: Kay
TextI am 36 and come from the Philippines. I am supporting my three kids and my Mom, who has health issues, by working here in the UK, caring for an elderly gentleman.
Props: Miriam
My name is Miriam. I’m 63, and I live in Devon. I live with my husband and my son. My son is 31 years old and has a learning disability, severe Autism and challenging behaviour.
Props: Mandy
My name is Mandy. I’m sixty years old and live in Bournemouth. I wanted to participate in the Props archive because I cared for my daughter for fifteen years during which time she had a problem with drink. She finally decided to stop two years ago.
Props: Lauren
My name is Lauren, I’m 45 years old and I live in Portsmouth. My husband is in the Navy and when I read about the PROPS project it rang a bell with me in terms of how isolation issues have affected certain groups for a long time.
Props: Katherine
My name is Katherine. I’m 59 and live in North Manchester. I’m a full time working mum with two grown up daughters. I own a small hospitality business.
Props: Janis
I’m Janis Griffiths, I live in Barry in South Wales and I am 68. I am married and I am a carer for our adult autistic son who has moved into independent living after eighteen months with us.
Props: Jack
My name is Jack Smith and I’m 15 years old and I’m currently doing S4 in school (fourth year of secondary school – like Year 10 in England) I come from Shetland which is where my mum and family are from and it’s the most northern group of islands.
Props: Hannah
My name is Hannah. I am 25, I live in Ayrshire in Scotland and I identify as Scottish. I work as a Residential Child Care Worker within a local authority. Residential Child care is a career which I have always wanted, I’ve always felt passionately about working with others.
Props: Chris
My name is Chris Keen, I’m 32 years old and I’m currently living in Scotland. However as a military husband, I have to move house every 1-2 years as my wife’s postings change. This is our 5th house in 5 years.
Props: Cathi
My name is Cathi. I’m 57 and I live in Bournemouth. I have supported my son to overcome addiction and I am an ex-cocaine user myself. I wanted to be part of the Props archive because sharing my story helps me to accept my past instead of feeling ashamed.
Props: Zulaikha
My name is Zulaikah, I’m 31 and live in the North of England. I wanted to participate in the Props archive because, given my situation, my family’s situation and my faith, I relate to the theme of “isolation and lost freedoms”.
PROPS: Ellie
My name is Ellie. I’m 25. I grew up on a Scottish island and now live in the city. I’m an artist, a writer, sister, daughter, partner, dog mum, bisexual, feminist, vegetarian. I also care for my father who has Parkinsons, and support my mum to care for him.
PROPS: Abdullah
My name is Abdullah, I am 42 years old and I live in Somerset. I came to the UK as a refugee and I would like to share my experiences as a Syrian refugee. I have the experience of living in the UK with close family still facing uncertainty overseas in Syria and Lebanon.
PROPS: Ben
My name is Ben O’Farrell, I’m 45 years of age and originally from Ireland. I’m a senior residential childcare worker which means I support children in residential care. I live in Govanhill (Glasgow) and work in Lanark.
PROPS: Casey
My name is Casey. I’m eighteen years old and live in Orkney, Scotland. My dad is a fisherman here. I wanted to participate in the Props archive because it’s something to do with time on furlough!