Let’s Have a Health & Wellbeing Check In 

As we’re re‑introducing our blogs on a Friday, I wanted to take a moment to check in with you all about your health and wellbeing.

So… how is everyone really doing?

It’s a simple question, but one we often don’t get asked—or don’t give ourselves time to answer honestly. As unpaid carers, so much of our energy, time and emotional capacity goes into supporting someone else that our own health can quietly slip to the bottom of the list.

We know from carers’ feedback that around 60% of carers report poorer physical and mental health as a direct result of their caring role. That includes stress, exhaustion, low mood, anxiety, isolation, and ongoing physical aches or long‑term conditions.

If any of that resonates with you, please know:
*  you’re not alone, and
*  it’s not a failure—it’s the reality of caring.

Please Don’t Put Your Health on Hold

One thing we gently want to remind carers of is the importance of keeping health appointments—whether that’s with your GP, a nurse, a consultant, or a mental wellbeing service.

It can be tempting to cancel, delay or “cope a bit longer” because someone else needs you, or because it feels too much to deal with right now. But your health matters too. Looking after yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Supporting your own health helps you keep going, and helps you care more sustainably.

If something doesn’t feel right—physically or emotionally—please reach out and get it checked.

How the Wellbeing Academy Can Help

At the Wellbeing Academy, many of our activities are designed to support carers who may be feeling overwhelmed, isolated or worn down—especially if traditional support groups feel like a big step.

Creative and wellbeing activities can:

• Reduce stress and help calm busy minds
• Gently reintroduce social connection in a relaxed way
• Support movement, focus and emotional release
• Help rebuild confidence and a sense of “me” beyond caring

From creative workshops and wellbeing sessions, to peer support and health‑focused groups, these activities can be a first step back towards feeling like yourself again.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing – A Chance to Help Yourself

You may have heard us talk about the Five Ways to Wellbeing before. They’re simple, but incredibly powerful—especially for carers.

• Connect: Spending time with others who understand caring reduces isolation and reminds you you’re not alone.
• Be Active: Gentle movement—walking, stretching, crafting—supports both physical and mental health.
• Take Notice: Pausing to notice how you’re feeling, your surroundings, or a small moment of calm can lower stress.
• Keep Learning: Trying something new, creatively or socially, can rebuild confidence and spark motivation.
• Give: Giving time or sharing experiences with others often helps carers feel valued and connected, not forgotten.

These aren’t extra demands—they’re opportunities to support yourself in small, manageable ways, at your own pace.

A Gentle Invitation

If your health or wellbeing hasn’t been great lately, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. A single conversation, one appointment kept, or attending one session can be enough to start shifting things.

This Friday, take a moment to check in with yourself—and if you need support, we’re here. The Wellbeing Academy is a space for you, not another thing to cope with.

Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.