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.
April sessions
In this Yoga session you will be taken through gentle stretches to relieve your physical stress, breathing techniques to promote calmness, yoga poses to improve posture, and periods of meditation for relaxation. Sangeeta is an experienced yoga teacher who has trained for many years in India and taught worldwide. She will guide you through a different themed class each time, enhancing your understanding and experience of the holistic practice of Yoga. Sangeeta‘s practice focuses on a moving meditation with dynamic and static postures, that allow the body, mind, and breath to become one through explorative yoga poses, chanting, pranayama, meditation, and Yoga-Nidra. No previous experience necessary. Booking is limited to 30 participants - book individual sessions below.
- Wednesday 19 April, 5-6pm Unfortunately this session has been cancelled.
- Wednesday 26 April, 5-6pm - Book here
Join us and mental health charity Mind to hear about their mental health information, with a particular focus on looking after your own mental health as a carer as well as looking after someone experiencing mental health problems.
Jess D’Cruz, Information Content Manager at Mind, will give an overview of Mind’s content and options for support, and take questions from you. To help us ensure this session is as useful for you as possible, please consider submitting a question or topic request in advance by emailing membership@carersuk.org. Book here.
Seated Boxing is for all fitness levels. It mainly focuses on the upper body, with punches to an imaginary opponent such as jabs, hooks and uppercuts, all while seated. It is accompanied with uplifting and energising music and motivating instructor Gil Cruz. Gil has been a fitness instructor for 14 years. He is also a qualified personal trainer and massage therapist and has previously presented boxing, dance and chair exercise videos for Carers UK. Book here.
Join inclusive dance company Step Change Studios on International Dance Day for a fun, social dance session on Zoom with dance pro Claire. This session will get participants moving to pop and disco music and boost your heart rate. The session is for all ages and abilities and no dance experience is required. Claire will provide different options for people with different levels of mobility so that everyone can enjoy getting active with dance. Book here.
An active day starts with a restful sleep. Join Counsellor Nicola Pruce to look at practical ways to troubleshoot your sleep issues. The session will explore the science of sleep, why we need it, the impact of sleep (or lack of!) on our brain, common sleep issues, effects of the seasons on our sleep, top tips for a good night’s sleep, sleep environment, the timing of our sleep, soporific foods and meditation. Be sure to bring a notepad and pen! Book here.
Following the success of the first series of Wisdom to Empower, we welcome back award-winning author and former carer Sara Challice for a second series for those carers who weren't able to attend the previous sessions and for others who would like to explore the issues raised again.
Over six sessions, Sara Challice uses insight, strategies and psychology to help you empower yourself as a carer and improve your wellbeing. Have you felt isolated and lonely whilst caring? In this session, Sara looks at some great ways to put the feelers out to ensure you have the right support. She shares a great ‘A-ha’ moment with an analogy that helped her on becoming more resilient. She also looks at simple psychology when dealing with conflicts. Book here.
May sessions
Dr Suniti Marwaha-Sharma, Certified Bereavement counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist for a discussion about the emotional and psychological aspects of grief. You will also learn practical tips to help you adapt to the new way of life after the loss of a loved one and how to better understand and manage yourself to help you get through grief. Book here.
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 us for an information and advice session on autism where we'll be joined by Geoff Evans, autism trainer and consultant, who has been working in the field of autism for 40 years. This session will involve a presentation and Q&A, introducing autism and its wide range of characteristics and exploring issues related to caring for an autistic person or being autistic yourself. Book here.
Delve into the world of poetry and creative writing with Dinah Roe and poet Sarah Hesketh. Having recently led workshops and curated an anthology of poems written by carers, Sarah and Dinah will tell you how the discovery that the Victorian poet Christina Rossetti was a carer inspired them. They will be leading a writing exercise for you to try out and get creative yourselves. You can have a look at the carers' poems here; some of them will be joining us to read their work to you on the day. No previous experience necessary! All you need is a pen and paper. Book here.
Our close personal relationships can always be challenging. Due to the nature of caring, you may face additional and specific issues whether that be between you and the person you're caring for or with other relatives or friends. Dee Holmes from the charity relate will be joining us to lead a session specifically on the relationship difficulties carers may face. Relate is the UK's largest provider of relationship support and they work to provide support to people whatever their situation may be. Book here.
Following the success of the first series of Wisdom to Empower, we welcome back award-winning author and former carer Sara Challice for a second series for those carers who weren't able to attend the previous sessions and for others who would like to explore the issues raised again.
Over six sessions, Sara Challice uses insight, strategies and psychology to help you empower yourself as a carer and improve your wellbeing. How is your mental and physical health? In this session, Sara looks at ‘caregivers burnout’ and why carers need to take extra care of themselves. She also discusses your survival mechanism, which may be draining you. Finally, discover great research on caregivers from a Nobel prizewinner, as well as looking at improving the quality of your sleep. Book here.
Welcome to Friday Music Live! Orchestra Vitae join us once again to introduce you to some excellent music for your mood and mental health. A perfect way to finish off your week. Orchestra Vitae is a London-based ensemble whose ambition is to bring classical music to as wide a range of people as possible, especially those who might find it difficult to attend concerts in person. 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 90-minute workshop to reinforce your mindfulness. This event is limited to 20 participants. 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.
Helping the person you care for to move around might be a central part of your day to day life as a carer, but it is really important that you do not hurt yourself doing this and that your own health and wellbeing is being safeguarded. Join us and Occupational Therapist Gina Williams for a session focusing on safe manual handling and your rights and entitlements as a carer. There will be plenty of time for your questions so please bring along a notepad and pen! Book here.
Following the success of the first series of Wisdom to Empower, we welcome back award-winning author and former carer Sara Challice for a second series for those carers who weren't able to attend the previous sessions and for others who would like to explore the issues raised again.
Over six sessions, Sara Challice uses insight, strategies and psychology to help you empower yourself as a carer and improve your wellbeing. Many carers endure life, but this is not beneficial for either you or those around you. Sara looks at ensuring your self-care and why it is important to focus on the good stuff. She also explores mindfulness and the importance of ‘me time’. In this session, you’ll dive deeper and look at the ’D word’. Book here.
Note on signing up
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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