We are delighted to announce a Student Carers Group which starts in January 2021!
What is a carer?
A carer is defined as, ‘Anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support’ (Carers Trust 2020).
What is the Student Carers Group?
The Student Carers Group is an opportunity for students with a caring role to meet their peers, share experiences and advice, socialise, and meet informally with staff from University Student Health and Wellbeing Services and Newcastle Carers, who will support delivery of the group.
Members will have an opportunity to express their identity and connect in a variety of innovative and fun ways. Our facilitator from Newcastle Carers has experience of doing workshops in theatre settings and likes to keep things light and interactive. We hope to make this an experiential and safe space that becomes a meaningful and valuable part of each member’s week. We also wish to use student feedback to develop the group into something that responds best to the needs of its members.
The Student Carers Group may also include some more practical components such as information from relevant professionals about signposting to carers’ assessments, welfare advice and emotional support.
To start with the group will meet online on a monthly basis with an aim to develop into a person-in-person offer over time.
Which students can attend?
The group is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate taught student carers in the University.
Postgraduate research students can attend the Carers Packed Lunch; please contact Kevin Johnson for more information. .
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When does it start?
The first group happens on Wednesday 27th Jan 2021 @ 1-2:30pm via Zoom. It will then take place at the same time on the last Wednesday of every month during term time only.
How do I join?
If you wish to join the Student Carers Group then please email Kevin Johnson, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator. Kevin will be more than happy to respond with more information about the group as well as instructions on how to join.
All members will be required to read and sign a declaration which details the aims of the group and establishes a code of conduct. Our aim is to ensure this is a confidential and safe space for student carers to connect.
What else is available to Student carers?
Student carers may also be entitled to a Carers Passport. The passport is a package of adjustments for carers and in order to qualify a range of factors will be taken in to consideration. More information regarding the Carers Passport will be covered in the Student Carers Group and information can also be found on the Student Health and Wellbeing webpages. To find out more about Disability Support at Newcastle University, please click here.
