Support and Wellbeing for Student Carers - 23 Feb 2023

Overview

It is estimated one in five UK adults acts as an unpaid carer, according to information released by national charity, 'Carers UK' in June 2022.
But carers can find it challenging to identify themselves or to know where to turn to for support. Furthermore, carers who move on to further education frequently report that balancing their caring role and studying can be challenging. Often, they do not feel supported, and their own wellbeing falls down their priority list.
It is vital carers recognise their caring role and find support that suits them. Staying well is as important for them as it is for the person they care for.
Our session will help you discover what support might be available in your local area, and what support is available from The Open University as an unpaid carer. There will also be tips and advice on how to maintain and boost your wellbeing.

UPDATE:

This special session will now have a focus on chatting & sharing your coping strategies for studying while caring. If you have any particular resources or advice to share, that would be fab! Our host Rob, and our knowledgeable guest, Nichola Kentzer, who is the Chair of the Care and Caring Network here at the OU, & also a tutor within WELS, will be facilitating and contributing to the discussion.

There is a scheduled strike on the 23^rd February and some of the guests we had originally planned are likely to be unavailable. So to still offer a space for student carers to be heard, we will be focusing on student carer experiences, and our fave wellbeing activities to ensure you stay healthy. On this one-off special event, you have the opportunity to use your microphones, but of course, you don’t have to. We think this event is going to be really great, and we can’t wait to meet you all!

Save the date! Our other guests are anticipated to join us on the student carer session planned for 28^th April at 2pm. 

After the event, you can watch the recording HERE  (click on 'view previous recordings' button). 

Additional Resources:

• 5 ways of wellbeing pdf
• The Open University Help Centre: https://help.open.ac.uk/support-for-carers
• Carers Trust (link to find your local carer centre): https://carers.org/
• Carers UK virtual coffee catch ups (several times a month): https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/online-meetups/care-for-a-cuppa/
• Carers UK Share and Learn online sessions (topics such as finance, fitness and wellbeing) https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/online-meetups/share-and-learn/
• Carers UK Health and Wellbeing: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/
• Carers Milton Keynes Guide to Healthy Caring: https://carersmiltonkeynes.org/information-for-carers/adult-parent-carers/guide-to-caring/
• Carefree, a charity that encourages short breaks for unpaid carers by transforming vacant accommodation https://carefreespace.org/take-a-break/
• Short relaxation audio in a useful NHS article: How to be happier - NHS (www.nhs.uk 
• Open Learn short course for carers: Physical activity for health and wellbeing in the caring role - OpenLearn - Open University