Hello, my name is Emma and i’m writing this post with the permission of the kind staff at MENCAP. My reason for reaching out to the community is because i’m making a radio documentary about siblings of vulnerable people. The documentary is part of my final project for an MA in broadcast journalism.
As the sibling of someone who is severely autistic, i’m petrified about what the future will hold. I’m worried about what will happen when our parents pass away and I worry about how life will change. Mostly, the thing that keeps me up at night is the worry that my brother has no idea of what’s ahead. Furthermore, it’s a subject that we as a family just don’t talk about because it’s seems to painful. The point of the documentary is exploring these anxieties and worries from the perspective of a sibling.
I just wondered if there are any other siblings out there who might be willing to talk to me please? It may be that you’re in a similar position to myself, or you’re one step further and your sibling is no longer in the family home. I’d absolutely love to talk to anyone who has anything to share - be it good or not so positive. I would be aiming to carry out my interviews during the week starting 12th June.
My email is: EMSweeney@uclan.ac.uk
I do hope to hear from some people soon.
thank you,
Emma