We Never Stop Learning

One of the things I love most about the Carers Wellbeing Academy is that we’re always learning. Not just learning from books, training courses or webinars, but learning from the real experts – you, our carers.

Over the years we’ve developed support groups, wellbeing activities, workshops, creative projects and information sessions based on what carers have told us they need. But as life changes, caring changes too. What worked three years ago might not be what carers need today. Even the best activity in the world isn’t much help if it’s at the wrong time or on the wrong day!

That’s why we’re looking at how we can work together to create a truly co-produced programme of activities. We want to learn more about the subjects that matter most to carers and how we can shape a timetable that works for the people who use it. Would you like more workshops on dementia, stroke or other long-term health conditions? More support groups? More practical wellbeing sessions? Different times of day? More online options? We want to hear from you.

After all, there is little point in me sitting in an office thinking I’ve got all the answers. If I had all the answers, I’d probably be writing books and living on a yacht somewhere rather than chasing meeting invites and trying to remember where I’ve saved the latest spreadsheet!

The truth is that learning never stops. I know this because I’m currently studying for my Level 5 in Leadership and Management, and I am absolutely loving it. I’ve been learning about continuous improvement, project management, leadership styles and how organisations can become better by listening, evaluating and adapting. It has reminded me that the best leaders aren’t the people who know everything; they’re the people who keep asking questions and looking for ways to improve.

Thankfully, I don’t have long to go now before I complete the qualification. While there have been moments when I’ve wondered why I voluntarily signed up for assignments after a full day’s work, I’ve genuinely enjoyed stretching my brain and discovering new techniques that I can bring back to the Wellbeing Academy.

Learning, however, doesn’t just happen in classrooms.

Like many carers, I’m currently learning to navigate a new chapter in my personal life. My nephew has recently been diagnosed with leukaemia and, to be honest, he is a very poorly young man right now. Watching someone you love go through such a difficult experience is heart breaking, and it brings its own worries, fears and uncertainties.

As my family works through this challenge together, I’m finding myself in a different caring role. I’m trying to support family members who are feeling anxious and frightened while also managing my own emotions. In many ways, I’m trying to channel my mum’s approach to life – to be fair, supportive, loving and practical.

I miss her a lot at moments like these.

She would have been my go-to person for advice and wisdom. She always seemed to know the right thing to say, when to listen and when to offer a gentle nudge in the right direction. While I can’t pick up the phone and call her anymore, I find myself remembering the lessons she taught me through her actions. In a way, I’m still learning from her every day.

And that is perhaps one of the biggest lessons of all: learning doesn’t stop because we get older, become carers or face difficult circumstances. In fact, some of our greatest learning often happens during life’s toughest moments.

If you’ve ever thought about learning something new, I’d encourage you to go for it. Whether it’s a short course, a workshop, an online class or simply attending one of our support groups and hearing other carers’ experiences, every bit of learning helps us grow.

You can explore learning opportunities through our CCTH learning page: Keep Learning.

I’d also highly recommend local Adult Education services, the Open University and the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). Both offer flexible learning opportunities that can fit around caring responsibilities, and many carers tell us that learning helps boost their confidence, improve their wellbeing and provide a sense of achievement outside of their caring role.

So, as we start thinking about the future of the Carers Wellbeing Academy, I’d love your help.

Tell us what you want to learn about. Tell us what activities you’d attend. Tell us which times work best for you. Together, we can create a programme that works for carers, designed with carers and shaped by carers.

Because at the Wellbeing Academy, we never stop learning—and hopefully, we never stop listening either.

What would you like to see in our future programme? We’d love to hear from you.