Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June 2024 is Carers Week. Carers Week is an annual campaign which aims to increase the visibility of caring, by highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Putting Carers on the Map’:
‘This year we want to galvanize activity in a general election year, to highlight the increasing pressures on carers and to campaign for much needed recognition and support’ | Carers UK
Carers experience multiple challenges which can impact their physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. In a survey conducted by Carers UK, 82% of carers said that the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge in the coming year. Of those surveyed, almost 60% said that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing.
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older, and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid. Carers UK report that, whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, it can be challenging. Caring without the right information and support can be tough, which is why it is vitally important to recognise the contribution carers make and ensure they get the support they need.
Carers Week 2024 resources and activities
More information and resources can be found on the Carers Week website, including ways to get support or join the campaign. You can also search for activities happening across the UK during the week: Activities | Carers Week
What's on at Sussex
Organisational Development are running an inaugural All-Staff Wellbeing Festival on Wednesday 17 July 2024 9.30am-4pm. This will be a celebration designed to harmonise mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. This festival is set to inspire with a dynamic lineup of expert speakers, invigorating fitness activities, enriching learning opportunities, and so much more.
Sussex Parent and Carer Staff Network are hosting a one-hour online talk on Wednesday 12 June at 2pm. The event will benefit anyone with caring responsibilities and will explore how to handle challenges of caring. You can register for tickets.
The event will be followed by the network’s first Community Space. ‘This idea is to make connections with each other, share ideas, have a rant…! It will also be a safe and respectful time to share our experiences with each other and begin to build a supportive space’ (Hannah, Chair of Carers network).
This latter part is optional, with no pressure to stay beyond the workshop.
Sussex also provides various resources and support available to staff:
Sussex Parent and Carer Staff Network
The network was established in 2020 as a response to the challenges of staff balancing their professional lives with their caring responsibilities during the pandemic. Since then, network members have worked to provide a collective voice to ensure the experiences of carers are represented and respected within the University. Find more on the Network page: Sussex Parent and Carer Staff Network: Carers : Equality, Diversity and Inclusion : University of Sussex.
Information on our Carers webpages
We offer guidance for people working at Sussex who have caring responsibilities our Carer support policies webpages. You can find information on flexible working, parental and dependents leave, our Sussex Parent and Carer Staff Network, Carer Fund, childcare on campus and more.
If you identify as a carer then don’t forget to add this information to your MyView equality data here: Welcome - MyView (sussex.ac.uk)