From yoga to singing, and first aid to photography, there's something for everyone. We add new sessions every week so keep an eye on this page for more!
Please note that all our sessions have automated closed captions from Rev.
May sessions
While technology and devices are getting smarter, unfortunately so are the techniques used by fraudsters. Frank Fellows and Vicki Hattam from Barclays will be joining us for a session focused on cyber security and how to protect your data and devices against cybercrime. There will be plenty of time to discuss any questions you have. Be sure to bring a notepad and pen! Book here.
Carers Week 2023
Carers Week 2023 (5-11 June 2023) is our annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
This Carers Week, we're holding a series of Share and Learns and Care for a Cuppas to help you find useful guidance, share your experiences of caring and do something you enjoy.
To kick off Carers Week, we will be holding a special Care for a Cuppa chat where Laura Bennett, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, will talk through and share some key findings from our upcoming Carers Week research on identification and support for carers. There will be plenty of time to share any questions and thoughts you have on the topics covered, followed by our usual Care for a Cuppa chat on any issues you'd like to discuss about your caring situation. Book here
On day two of Carers Week, we’ll be joined by working carers Jacqui Darlington and Adam Keane for a discussion on being a carer while in employment. We'll be discussing their personal experiences and wider issues related to juggling work and care. There will also be opportunities for you to ask questions and share your own reflections and experiences. Book here
Join professional photographer Becky Mursell for a fun-filled photography workshop. In this session we will explore the concept of visibility within a photograph and how you might choose to express what is ‘less visible' through your lens. Unleash your creativity and learn some new skills to help take your photography to the next level. No prior knowledge, experience or fancy equipment needed, only access to a phone/camera, notepad and just a willingness to get stuck in! Registrations limited to 25 participants on a first come first serve basis. Book here.
Join us for a book reading and discussion with author and former carer, Val Ormrod. Val cared for her father for six years while he had dementia and during this time she kept a journal. Val has since turned this into a memoir, In My Father’s Memory, which explores her relationship with her father. Val will be joining us on day three of Carers Week to read from her memoir and discuss some of the themes. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and share any reflections and thoughts you have during the session. Book here
From technology to the idea of the family, from our working patterns to our fear of death, care touches every aspect of our lives and society. Join researcher and author Emily Kenway to hear about her new book, 'Who Cares: the hidden crisis of caregiving and how we solve it' which explores all of these dimensions and more. Weaving her time spent caring for her mother and the stories of other carers from around the world with in-depth research, Kenway will speak about the struggles and similarities of caregivers locally and globally, and what changes might make caring more supported. Book here.
Over six sessions, Sara Challice uses insight, strategies and psychology to help you empower yourself as a carer and improve your wellbeing. Is there light at the end of the tunnel when your caring role comes to an end? What can you expect? And what steps can you put in place now to safeguard your own needs for when this big life event occurs? Join Sara Challice, former carer and author of ‘Who Cares?’, as she shares her own experience, and learn insight and strategies to help with the transition, create resilience and boost your own health & wellbeing. Book here.
Mindfulness offers easy to follow techniques to help find relaxation and some peace of mind whenever there are feelings of stress or worry. When our attention is focused on the present, we become aware of a stable space, where we feel calmer, can see more clearly and make more satisfying choices. Join Mike from Peace of Mind Now for a 30-minute taster session to reinforce your mindfulness. Book here.
On the Friday of Carers Week we’ll be joined by Ashley Clydesdale and Sarah Murray, from TENA, for a session focusing on supporting carers in the management of continence and hygiene. TENA are committed to empowering carers to live healthy and active lives. In this session they will share best practice tips for continence care, information on a range of products and how to access them. Book here.
For our final Carers Week session we welcome singer-songwriter Malcolm Duff who will be playing some of the moving songs from his album For You. Malcolm's songs tell his story of caring for his wife after she developed Alzheimer's disease. He will also be reading from his book The Escorts about his caring experience, which he partly intended to be a survival guide for carers and has been described as "a tribute to compassion". Book here.
June sessions
The ideal weekly opportunity to focus on your mental and physical wellbeing. These mindful, and restorative classes are geared towards complete beginners with no prior Pilates experience, and will give an in-depth, full introduction to the Pilates method. Sarah Kearney has been teaching Pilates for over 5 years and loves nothing more than sharing this feel-good movement practice with others. She would like to invite carers to join her for these welcoming sessions, and to enjoy this restorative, yet energising movement system. Booking is limited to 30 participants.
Join professional photographer Becky Mursell for a fun-filled photography workshop, focused on supporting you to enter the Carers UK Photography Competition. In this session we will be exploring some ways in which you could approach the first theme ‘The World We Care In’. Through short structured activities, you will be encouraged to adopt a playful and curious approach that will help spark your imagination. No prior knowledge, experience or fancy equipment needed, only access to a phone/ camera, notepad and just a willingness to get stuck in! This workshop is open to all. You do not need to enter the competition in order to take part in this workshop. Nor do you need to take part in the workshop to enter the competition! Registrations limited to 25 participants on a first come first serve basis. Book here
Come and join us for a Daytime Disco session delivered by Pasna from Weekday Wow Factor! This will be a fun and energising session to uplift your spirits! We will be meeting new people, picking upbeat songs together to listen, tap feet or even have a wee dance from the comfort of your own homes! We will awaken our inner child, get active, and keep connected. We're taking song requests, so let us know your favourite disco tracks and we'll try and play as many as possible! Email requests in to membership@carersuk.org. Book here.
Join us for a special session to celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity and inclusion. This session will be led by Judeline Nicholas who has 30 years' experience of working with organisations to help them embed and champion equity, diversity and inclusion. There will be opportunities to share and discuss any experiences or questions you have, and we will also consider some of the specific challenges faced by a range of ethnic and cultural groups. Everyone is welcome but we would particularly like to encourage carers from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background to join the session. Book here.
Photography workshop and competition theme: Nature On Our Doorstep - Wednesday 21 June, 11am-12.30am
Join professional photographer Becky Mursell for a fun-filled photography workshop, focused on supporting you to enter the Carers UK Photography Competition. In this session we will be exploring some ways in which you could approach the second theme ‘Nature On Our Doorstep’. Through short structured activities, you will be encouraged to adopt a playful and curious approach that will help spark your imagination. No prior knowledge, experience or fancy equipment needed, only access to a phone/ camera, notepad and just a willingness to get stuck in! This workshop is open to all. You do not need to enter the competition in order to take part in this workshop. Nor do you need to take part in the workshop to enter the competition! Registrations limited to 25 participants on a first come first serve basis. Book here.
An initiative of the Royal Academy of Dance, Silver Swans® are ballet classes specially designed for the over 55s (but all ages are welcome). Following research into dance practice for older learners, gentle Silver Swans classes can help to improve mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. Whether you’re new to ballet or returning after many years, join Johanna for a gentle class suitable for beginners (so no pirouettes or leaps!) You’ll be introduced to the basics of a traditional classical ballet barre, centre and learn repertoire from a famous ballet. Johanna is an experienced Silver Swans licensee and regularly teaches over 60 Silver Swans in online Zoom classes each week. Book here.
Note on signing up to our sessions
Our Share and Learn events are generally bookable via Zoom. Once you have registered by clicking the "Book here" option of the session you wish to attend, you will be sent a confirmation email with a Zoom "join meeting" link. Please note you may not receive your link straight away. If you have registered during the weekend or during out of office hours, you will receive a confirmation email as soon as possible. You will need to register for each Share and Learn individually.
Session recordings
To help more carers enjoy the benefits of Share and Learn, some sessions will be recorded. Only the speaker/facilitator’s section will be publicly shared. If you do not wish to be recorded, you are welcome to turn off your camera/audio during this part of the session.
Want to chat with other carers?
As well as Share and Learns, we run weekly online Care for a Cuppa sessions, where you can meet other carers, share experiences and find mutual support.
Carers Scotland also runs Care for a Cuppa sessions for carers in Scotland.
Our sessions across the UK
Relaxation classes for carers in Northern Ireland
Feeling stressed but struggle to find time to relax? Carers NI's relaxation classes for carers take place every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm via Zoom. If you wish to register for a class or for more information, please email geraldine.green@carersni.org
MeTime for carers in Wales
Our MeTime sessions run by Carers Wales are a series of online activities to support your wellbeing. Activities range from practical advice on carers' rights and caring, to emotional and physical wellbeing sessions like mindfulness and dance, to creative opportunities like crafting and cooking. See what's on.
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