Share and Learn

Caring for someone can have a big impact on your finances, whether you’re working or not. This session offers a clear, practical overview of the welfare benefits and financial support available to carers across the UK. We’ll cover what you might be entitled to, how different benefits work together, and what to watch out for if your circumstances change. Designed for unpaid and working carers, this session aims to help you feel more confident in checking your entitlements and accessing the support available to you. The session will also explain key differences between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so you can understand how support varies depending on where you live. Book here

The theme for the Thursday of Carers Week focuses on work. We’ll be joined by Carers UK volunteers Vic, Sarah and Tamara who will talk about life as working carers, the challenges they face and tips that will help you to juggle work and caring. You will then be welcome to ask questions and share your experiences. Book here

Join Squid, a multidisciplinary artist who has run creative activities and workshops since 2011, including for LGBTIQ+ people, neurodivergent writers, and East and Southeast Asian people. In this session, Squid will share some inspirational pieces (such as poetry/art/music) and participants will be invited to respond by telling a story or by writing or sketching something and sharing it. The theme of 'water' will be used to help you draw on personal anecdotes, travel memories and emotions. There will be an opportunity for feedback and discussion. Book here

Join us for a talk from Marnie, Volunteering Development Officer at Epilepsy Action. This session aims to build understanding of epilepsy, a neurological condition that affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK. It will explain what epilepsy is, the different types of seizures, and how epilepsy can affect people in very different ways. We’ll explore common myths and misconceptions, helping to challenge stigma and increase confidence around epilepsy. You’ll also hear first-hand lived experience of epilepsy, alongside learning about some of the challenges people may face around work, education, mental health, and accessing healthcare. The talk will highlight the support available through Epilepsy Action, and the work they do to improve understanding, provide practical advice, and campaign for better services. Book here 

Join this online live session delivered by Carers UK and the gardening charity, Thrive to kickstart the Green Care for You campaign. This session will demonstrate how gardening supports physical and mental wellbeing as well as equip you with some simple, repeatable exercises and stretches to garden safely and help build strength, balance, and flexibility. Book here

Make a cup of tea, get cosy and join us for the second in a series of two workshops on writing and telling your stories. Join writer and teacher Andrew Kauffmann in a safe space to explore what you'd like to write, given the possibility. Based on gentle prompts to stimulate new writing, this is an intimate and private place to pause, get creative and explore what you might want to express, be it in a journal, or through creative writing. So grab a pen, or prepare to type away. This is a confidential place to begin writing down what feels timely and topical for you. There will also be a brief opportunity to jointly read a carer's account and discuss their story. Book here