Cheer for your ears! The snazzy earring company supporting carers
Helena Fischer founder of Cheerings
‘ Until you experience caring for someone with dementia, or any kind of illness or condition, you don’t know what to expect or do,’ says Helena Fischer, a brand consultant whose mother has dementia, ‘ Often you are left knowing your loved one is suffering, it will only get worse and that is tough.’ Given the circumstances (her dad had died suddenly, two years previously), Helena and her sister had to learn how to care for their mother, ‘ I was lucky that I didn’t have to give up work, but over a number of years – until it became clear it wasn’t safe for mum to live in our family home – we needed to shift our lives to help her live her previously independent day-to-day.’
This experience introduced 50-year-old Helena to the wider world of unpaid carers, of all ages (there are an estimated 13.6 million unpaid carers in the UK). ‘ It made me realise how life-limiting and difficult it is for so many people in the same position; with all different types of challenges. Many care for loved ones alone and that’s why the work and message of the Carers UK charity is so important.’ In November 2022, she decided to do something about it. In order to support carers and ‘bring a little cheer to every ear’, she launched Cheerings a website selling a selection of new and vintage earrings, with 10% of profits going to Carer’s UK.
The small collection features an eclectic range of designs, from chic clip-ons to sparkly studs and colourful chandeliers (all around the £20 mark). There is also the option to buy vintage, including some retro-tastic door-knockers and faux pearls – perfect if you prefer to shop second hand.
Three cheers for Cheerings!
Research by Helen Johnson.
Discussion (11 Comments)
Mrs Tonia says:
I join Carole in sending my best new year wishes to all carers. I also send wishes specifically to Helena and her sister who are caring for a mother with dementia.
My mother had this condition. At the time I also had two small children. The sandwich generation I think it was called. So my mother lived in a home near our house and frequently came over. Later she had to move somewhere more secure so she couldn’t wander into the streets not knowing who she was or where she was. It’s all very challenging. The increasing practicalities which need dealing with plus watching a close relative lose their faculties and abilities over time.
Thanks Alyson for highlighting this story and the lot of carers in general here.Thank you so much. I agree with all your points, it can be such a worrying and challenging time many thanks to you for sharing – and I join you in sending every good wish to all carers. Thanks to Alyson too.
Grettadf says:
What a great idea and I echo how undervalued and challenging the role of carer is. It is so important to take care of yourself and not trying to do everything for everyone. I know too many people (myself included) who have paid a high price in terms of their physical and/or mental health as the enduring and unremitting nature of caring takes its toll, although it can be immensely rewarding too. As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup – so look after yourself! I love the earrings.
Thank you so much for your message. Absolutely, it is so hard to get a balance sometimes but it really is the best thing for all if you can – and yes, fuller cup indeed is the aim if at all possible! Glad you like the earrings, thanks so much for your kind words.
Kara says:
What a lovely post.
I cared for my older half-sister who after a stroke was blind and had severe hearing loss, in addition to dementia. She was widowed and had no children. I loved her, but caring was wearing, and changes in her were hard to process. I was lucky to have a very supportive spouse and community, and was able to lovingly see her through the five years after her stroke to her final leaving us. I was challenged and gained much through being her protector and ‘special person.’ My loving thoughts and good wishes to all who have had caring responsibilities for a loved one. I think, truly, that only one who has been there can appreciate the qualities of selflessness required of those who do caring well.
The earrings are beautiful and meaningful to me here, as my sister was always an ‘earring girl,’ was never without them, even in her old age! Thank you for this post.
Sarah Wood says:
Thanks Alyson for sharing Helena’s lovely website and wonderful way to support Carers UK, a fantastic charity. Helena’s idea is so original and love the earrings….”Bringing cheer to every carer’s ear”. This is so close to my heart and own experience having been the sole carer for my disabled mum during covid.
Mum developed rheumatoid arthritis and over a number of years became very disabled. During covid, there was no help and mum’s mobility deteriorated. We both faced so many challenges and at times it’s been overwhelming, draining and heartbreaking. After a horrendous fall in December 21 and life threatening surgery, my mum made a remarkable recovery and we now have essential but amazing care support in place in her own home.
I completely agree and understand Helena. There are millions of unpaid carers in the UK. Giving care to a loved one is at times daunting and challenging. Somehow we muddle through and learn along the way, but it’s hard to appreciate what it is like to be a carer until it happens and every experience is different. I had no choice than to leave my then job of 10 yrs in the fashion industry, my employer wouldn’t allow flexible working – two months later, everyone was working at home…..
Carers UK were absolutely fantastic in their level of advice and support. They were a lifeline for me personally, providing a wealth of information and advice around all aspects of the care system and support both for my mum and around my employment and carer’s rights. They provide an incredible amount of information and free documentation and advice.
I thoroughly recommend anyone in similar circumstances to contact and support them. Thank you so much for highlighting the organisation.Sarah, thanks so much for sharing your story. I know for many unpaid carers during Covid it was an even more difficult and overwhelming time, and often heartbreaking too. I’m so sorry to hear you needed to leave your job, such a tough and selfless thing to do. I am so glad to hear though that your Mum made a recovery and is doing well with care support in place and do hope things feel a little smoother now. Also it’s so great to hear your notes re Carers UK; as you say their support and advice is incredible and they help so many. Thank you for echoing and highlighting the amazing work they do. If we can help in support just a tiny way we will be happy. Thank you again for your message and all my best to you.
Lisa Carden says:
Just a line to send my best wishes to all carers and everyone involved with Helena’s spirit-lifting site. I’ve just bought a pair of lovely earrings from there and will be back!
Thank you Lisa, I join you in sending our very best wishes to all carers today. And thank you for your order – a lovely choice of Cheering – do hope you like them! Your support and kind message is much appreciated, sending all the best to you.
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This is such a lovely idea – and beautiful colourful, exuberant earrings for sale on the site. As a carer (of a very elderly, frail father, and adult autistic son) it made my morning! (Also helped by the winter sunshine here in NW England, and my husband bringing daffodils home with the weekly shop). Love to all carers today.