Family Caregivers Take Centre Stage in Naples: ‘Other Times – The Time of Care’ Event a Success
Naples, 2 February – The ‘Other Times – The Time of Care’ event, dedicated to family caregivers, took place at the Pio Monte della Misericordia in Via dei Tribunali, Naples. This initiative provided a crucial platform for reflection, discussion, and valorisation of these often-invisible but fundamental pillars of the welfare system, who selflessly care for fragile loved ones or those with serious illnesses.
The ‘Other Times’ Project: Supporting Caregivers and Families
The event was promoted as part of the ‘Other Times’ project, supported by the Fondazione Con il Sud and managed by the Fondazione Eos Onlus in partnership with various public and private social entities. The project aims to reduce the burden of care for caregivers and improve the well-being of the entire family through targeted services and concrete actions.
The proceedings commenced with institutional greetings from Giuseppe Cascone, Director of the EOS Foundation; Raffaella Auriemma, Coordinator of the Pio Monte Foundation; and Fabio Pagano, Director of the Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Park.
Lucia Basso, coordinator of the ‘Other Times’ project, stated: “Caregivers, crushed by the weight of responsibility they bear, truly have very little time. This is why the project is called ‘Other Times.’ The ‘Time of Care’ initiative represents an opportunity for discussion among different local realities to shine a spotlight on fundamental figures in welfare, too often unrecognised in their needs and in the physical and psychological burden that accompanies their existence.”
Key Discussions and Insights
Among the main speakers was Gennaro Pezzurro, President of Fish Campania, who addressed “Proximity welfare and urgent actions: freeing up caregivers’ time and right to life.” Marina Melone, an expert in neurology and clinical neuropathology, delved into the difficulties faced by caregivers assisting individuals with hereditary genetic diseases.
Angela Lepore, President of the Campania section of the Italian Fragile X Syndrome Association, presented the results of a survey conducted among caregivers as part of the ‘Other Times’ project. She remarked: “The partner associations shared common needs, but to provide real answers, it is essential to listen directly to families. The questionnaire, completed by 60 caregivers, collected information on their needs, desires, and emotions, and on their relationship with the assisted person, allowing for the calibration of the project’s concrete actions.”
Personal Testimonies and Future Projects
Direct testimonies were also shared. Valentina Fasano, a caregiver and president of the Italian Adrenoleukodystrophy Association, recounted: “Living the condition of a caregiver firsthand gives me the opportunity to identify their needs well. Those who care create an island far from the context, from external reality.”
Vincenzo Gargiulo, Guarantor for people with disabilities of Municipality 3 of Naples, illustrated life projects for people with disabilities. Among the actions of the ‘Other Times’ project are also free cultural visits and experiences organised by partners Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Park and Fondazione Pio Monte. This is why the event concluded with an exclusive visit to the Pio Monte della Misericordia, reserved for caregivers and their families, during which valuable artworks, including Caravaggio’s famous masterpiece, ‘The Seven Works of Mercy,’ were admired.
The initiative highlighted the importance of recognising and supporting caregivers, promoting concrete services, listening to their experiences, and valuing the time dedicated to care.
Source: napoli.corriere.it
