CTM Community Voices : Recent Episodes
Rebecca
Created by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board, this new podcast series aims to give a platform for people living in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil to share their experiences, and tell us what matters to them when it comes to health, social care and wellbeing services.
Walk In the Rain
Verse 1
Bbm/Ebm/Ab/Dbmaj7
Some days I feel isolated
nowhere to go,
Some nights I’m alienated,
a scared UFO
Unidentified fragile object,
Petrified of other life,
Terrified whether they even like me,
Who am I?
Verify am I alive?
Sometimes my mind is numb,
Sometimes my mind is done,
Am I dumb?
I need Mum?
I slump myself so low I’m landfill,
It’s deeper than being down in the dumps,
And when you’ve sunk as much as me,
your lungs lose some of its capacity,
Can’t breathe, under the rubble it’s a struggle trying juggle all the junk,
While others complain my face is in a scrunch,
I don’t frown cause I got the hump,
I don’t clown around to have some fun,
Playing different characters like Professor Klump,
I’m trying to disguise the lump in my throat,
I want to cry on the outside, but I just don’t,
I never wanna jump for the rope,
All I ask is for some hope.
Chorus
Bbm
I wanna be right here right now,
Ebm/Bbm
As I walk in the rain,
Ebm/Bbm
It’s allowing my mood to change
Gb/ Bbm
And meditate my way
Gb/ Bbm
And meditate my way
Gb/Bbm
Medication ain’t the only way
Verse 2
Bbm/Ebm/Ab/Dbmaj7
Raindrops dripping on the windowpane,
I remember skimming pebbles on a winter’s day,
The weather made me feel alive in a fountain of pain,
I climb the gradual incline of the mountain ingrained in my brain,
I’m in hiking apparel, I’m liking how I’m finally walking out of my shadow,
It’s exciting when I open my peripherals,
What I can see instead of having narrow vision,
I’m out today I’m not hidden,
I meet friends, leave home,
Get out of my comfort zone,
My anxiety temporarily goes,
Conversation flows,
I no longer straddle alone.
But I do put pressure on myself,
My to do list stretches to the Alps,
If I don’t do it, it messes with my mental health,
And income the mental doubts.
I need a to dar list so I,
Can see how much I’ve achieved how far I’ve climbed,
I need treat myself like I treat my friends,
Be kind to my mind,
I said, I need treat myself like I treat my friends,
Be kind to my mind.
Chorus
I need a social prescription
As I navigate the pain
It’s allowing my mood to change
And meditate my way
And meditate my way
Medication ain’t the only way
Verse 3
Trying to get support is a post code lottery,
If I win, I’d implement a social policy,
We need to be vocal honestly,
We need National help, that starts with local priorities.
More appropriate provisions,
Fed up of the division,
Fed of GPS who when I beg are indifferent,
As they refuse to believe I have a mental health condition,
And even if they do, they offer medication,
I need other therapies like meditation,
Social prescribing,
No more online subscribing,
Real human interaction,
Voice 1
I used to look forward to work. Sometimes we’d see a show
afterwards. My time was my own and I never felt bad about it.
Voice 2
It’s great when mum’s doing well, it makes dad happy too. It feels
like the worlds spinning right. I’m excited to see where life takes
me.
Voice 1
Now caring is my job, where’s my annual leave? Where’s my
overtime? I’ve given up my life so that she can have hers. I’m
exhausted, they say I’ve lost my zest. I was happy before I was a
carer, and I feel guilty saying that. I don’t know what my role is. I’m
doing more than ‘just being a dad’. I care for others but nobody
cares for me.
Voice 2
Today is not so good. It could be a while until things change. I
worry about my brother and sister. I know people can help, I just
don’t know where they are. Earth’s not spinning today.
Voice 1
But tomorrow will be better. I’ll be leading my team, and they’ll
listen to me. I’ll have my life back, friends around me, I’ve got the
afternoon free!. I’ll proudly tell people ‘I’m a carer’, but it won’t be
my whole life. We’ll think about the future, mine and my son’s, and
maybe even look forward to them.
Voice 2
Tomorrow, help will be in front of me. I’ll know where to find it, and I
won’t have to fight for it. I’ll take on what I can, but when I need
help I’ll just pick up the phone. I know my team and they know me,
we’re in this together, an extended family. And I talk to other carers
sometimes, it’s still a bit lonely but at least we’re alone together.
V1
In my mind, I’m always alone (C/F/C)
Surrounded by people but I don’t feel at home (C/F/C)
Stuck- in my head (Am- C)
I may as well be dead (Am- C)
Pre Chorus
I feel like the only one (Am/C)
Am I the only one (F/C)
Chorus
Look up, look down, (E 1st inv, Am, B, C)
Look all around
Where are the services (F)
They can’t be found C
Stuck in a rut
Does anyone care
I’m looking for my road to somewhere
Looking my road to somewhere
V2
We are all human
We need to be kind
I need connection to step out of my mind
A smile at a stranger could change someone’s day
Doesn’t cost anything to simply say ‘Hey’.
Pre Chorus
I still feel I’m the only one (Am/C)
I can’t be the only one (F/C)
Chorus
Look up, look down, (E 1st inv, Am, B, C)
Look all around
Where are the services (F)
They could be found C
Listen to songwriter Erin Williams Jones and Jo Bendon, Implementation Lead for Whole School Approach in Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Cwm Taf Morgannwg.
In 2021, the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board held a hack-a-thon to explore emotional health and wellbeing.
One of the groups, including Erin and Jo, wrote a song called The River, which focuses on mental health support.
Erin and Jo explain the meaning of the song in the podcast.
Know my Story
Verse
G C
We’re going to the top, we’re knocking on the door
D G
It started with a doorbell, but we need so much more
G C
Sick of chasing all the time for basic human rights
D C G
Dementia’s taking more than one identity
Chorus:
C G
People with dementia are still people first
D C G
Don’t write us off as old, some are young or getting worse
C D
Worked and live all our lives, paid our tax and worked our time
Em D C
How little do you know about me?
C D G
Know my story and you’ll know me
Verse 2:
G C
You can’t spell dementia without I or Me
D G
So focus on the person who’s still here
G C
Come back in time to where I am, don’t drag me to your place
D C G
Comfort me and dispel my fear
Chorus:
C G
People with dementia are still people first
D C G
Don’t write us off as old, some are young or getting worse
OLDER PERSON:
Today’s the day, I’m going home
But home is not the same
Or is it me that’s changed?
My steps are now a challenge
I can’t walk without a frame.
Once my home was safety
But now it causes pain.
I want to feel secure, it’s embarrassing to explain
My home should be my safe space
My comfort place
But now we both have changed.
The silence here is deafening
My thoughts are rushing, loud
I need someone to help me
Go shopping, go to town
The thoughts come loud and rushing
The fear of the unknown.
My daughter is so kind, but she has a life of her own.
Everyone says they’re on the end of the phone
But you don’t want to be a bother
Even if you feel alone.
And now there is a sea of time
Rushing at me, loud
I used to dream of having time
I’m drowning in it now.
Refrain
It’s my life
It’s my home
I can do things on my own
But I can’t do this alone
CARER:
How can I help them feel at home?
How do I make them smile?
I feel like I’m not doing enough
But costs and rulebooks make it tough.
I try to give them good support
I break down barriers, build rapport
Try to give them time and thought.
Give them time to make their choices.
Manage expectations with limited resources.
OLDER PERSON
I’ve got some people coming round
What will they be like?
I know I need a helping hand
I’m frightened they won’t understand
Come in and out, like buses
A different one each day?
What will my neighbours say?
My home should be my safe space
My comfort place
But now we both have changed.
I need somehow to tell them that I can still be me.
I might make bad decisions, but I have capacity.
Presume I can before I can’t, respect my right to be free.
I’m more than my support needs
I’m not another problem to be added to a list.
I don’t want to be a burden
I’m made from more than this.
Please talk to me, please listen.
Don’t make assumptions- help me make decisions.
I am the decision maker.
My life, my home.
Musical interlude
OLDER PERSON
I’m looking forward to my mid-morning treat.
A chat, a cup of tea and something to eat.
Kyle’s a cheeky lad, but he’s always got time for me.
His weekend stories make me feel young.
He brightens up my day, like sun.
We always have a lot of fun.
He listens when I need something done.
I needn’t have been worried, he makes me feel at home
My home is still my safe space
My comfort place
Even though we have both changed.
Do It For Love Lyrics – Young Carers Song
Verse 1
I used to think my destiny was never to fit in
Cause I’ve never been afraid to be different
Built my walls so thick, the chance of getting out was slim
Couldn’t even see my future was missing
Pre-chorus
Now I know,
Now I know
Chorus
Demons prey on the hurt
So, I make myself tough
You could try to shoot me down
But I’ll just rise above
Empathy makes me strong
‘Cause my heart is enough
I don’t care what you think
‘Cause I do it, I do it, do it for love
Verse 2
Sick of darkness, hoping for a friend to break me out
Help me see my life in a new perspective
Holding up a mirror high whenever I’m in doubt
Help me see the truth in my own reflection
Pre-chorus
Chorus
Bridge x2
We’ll be ourselves, we’ll live our lives
We’ll be in a band
We’ll run, we’ll ride, we’ll travel far
Together we will stand
Chorus
See Me
Verse: (E, F#m, A, B)
You’ll never get a job
That’s what they said
But I’ll prove them all wrong
With this song
Chorus: (E, A, B, A)
See me, not my CV
I’m more than any disability
Support me, believe in me,
Let me be a good employee
Verse: (E, F#m, A, B)
Money makes the world go round
But doesn’t grow on trees
But with training and support
We can plant the seeds
Chorus
Bridge: (C#m, A, C#m, B)
I’m left to the wolves without choice
Give me a voice, I’ll make my choice
Chorus x 2
I can be a good employee
ome is Where the Heart Is
Verse:
We’re all from different places,
But we all want the same.
Living independently,
That’s really our aim.
We need the right support
We all need different things.
A range of fun activities,
The opportunities they bring.
Pre-chorus:
It’s about community
It’s about you and me
Chorus:
Home is where the heart is,
Shelter from the storm.
Home is where the heart is,
Keep me safe and warm.
Verse:
We need some space to breathe,
Don’t want so many rules.
Relationships should give,
The freedom to be you.
All our dreams are different,
We want the power to choose.
Building our connections,
We’ve got nothing, nothing to lose.
Pre-chorus
Chorus
Bridge x2
Hear our voices
Stronger together
Respect our choices
New and forever
Chorus x2
Keep me safe and warm
During our fourth episode of CTM Community Voices, we hear from Alex and Steve.
Both are living with sight loss and share their personal stories and experiences with us.
Alex and Steve talk about different barriers people living with sight loss face.
This includes communication issues, to transport, to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
They also talk about the importance of support and networks.
Through the podcast we hear ideas for positive change to improve people's lives.
Yn ystod ein pedwaredd bennod o Lleisiau Cymuned CTM, clywn gan Alex a Steve.
Mae’r ddau’n byw gyda cholli’u golwg ac yn rhannu’u straeon personol a’u profiadau gyda ni.
Mae Alex a Steve yn siarad am rwystrau gwahanol y bydd pobl sy’n byw gyda cholli golwg yn eu hwynebu.
Mae hyn yn cynnwys problemau cyfathrebu, trafnidiaeth, teimladau o unigrwydd a bod yn ynysig.
Maen nhw hefyd yn trafod pwysigrwydd cefnogaeth a rhwydweithiau.
Drwy’r podlediad, clywn syniadau am newid cadarnhaol i wella bywydau pobl.
Trigger warning This podcast contains references to domestic abuse throughout, including examples of scenarios people may be facing.
Today we hear from Rachel who works for a domestic abuse service in Merthyr Tydfil. During our conversation, Rachel informs us about domestic abuse, how to spot signals and where to get support.
Rachel talks about the importance of prevention, raising awareness and how health, social care, third sector and public services can work together to support victims.
Clywed oddi wrth Eiriolwr Cam-drin yn y Cartref Annibynnol
Rhybudd Mae’r podlediad hwn yn cynnwys cyfeiriadau at drais yn y cartref drwyddi draw, gan gynnwys enghreifftiau o brofiadau y gallai pobl fod yn eu hwynebu.
Heddiw rydyn ni’n clywed oddi wrth Rachel, sy’n gweithio ar gyfer gwasanaeth cam-drin yn y cartref ym Merthyr Tudful. Yn ystod ein sgwrs, mae Rachel yn dweud wrthym am gam-drin yn y cartref, sut i adnabod arwyddion a ble i gael cefnogaeth.
Mae Rachel yn sôn am bwysigrwydd atal, codi ymwybyddiaeth a sut y gall gwasanaethau iechyd, gofal cymdeithasol, y trydydd sector a’r sector cyhoeddus weithio gyda’i gilydd i gefnogi dioddefwyr.
Today we hear from Kay and Ceri who share their experiences of caring for family members. They share insights into what it's like to be an unpaid carer, advice for those who may be starting their own journey into caring, and also suggestions on how to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for carers.
Heddiw clywn gan Kay a Ceri sy'n rhannu eu profiadau o ofalu am aelodau o'r teulu. Maent yn rhannu mewnwelediadau i sut beth yw bod yn ofalwr di-dâl, cyngor i'r rhai a allai fod yn dechrau ar eu taith eu hunain i ofalu, a hefyd awgrymiadau ar sut i wella canlyniadau iechyd a lles i ofalwyr.
Today we meet Abbie, Bravon and Twahida, who are working as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Engagement Officers across Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. They share their own stories, in addition to experiences from the people they are working with.
Please note during the discussion, the 'BAME' acronym is occasionally used to describe Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. We understand this acronym is being phased out as part of Welsh Government's Race Equality Action Plan for Wales, and we will continue to work with our partners and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to ensure the way we talk and write about ethnicity is appropriate.Heddiw rydyn ni’n cwrdd ag Abbie, Bravon a Twahida, sy’n gweithio fel Swyddogion Ymgysylltu Du, Asiaidd a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig ar draws Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr, Rhondda Cynon Taf a Merthyr Tudful. Maen nhw’n rhannu’u straeon eu hunain, yn ogystal â phrofiadau gan y bobl y maen nhw’n gweithio gyda nhw.
Nodwch os gwelwch yn dda fod yr acronym ‘BAME’ yn cael ei ddefnyddio’n achlysurol yn ystod y drafodaeth i ddisgrifio cymunedau Du, Asiaidd a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig. Rydyn ni’n cael ar ddeall fod yr acronym hwn yn cael ei ollwng yn raddol fel rhan o Gynllun Gweithredu Cydraddoldeb Hil Cymru Llywodraeth Cymru, a byddwn ni’n parhau i weithio gyda’n partneriaid a chymunedau Du, Asiaidd a Lleiafrifoedd Ethnig i sicrhau fod y ffordd y byddwn ni’n siarad am ethnigrwydd ac yn ysgrifennu amdano’n addas.