Information and Groups for Carers

We launched the SBS Working Parents Network in November 2019 as an initiative to create a place where parents across the School could connect. We want to expand that now to those members of the School with any caring resposibilities.

There are a small number of Network contact that can help with:

• Where to find supportive policies online and who they can speak to clarify how it applies to them in practice (signposting, supporting materials will be provided)
• General working carers questions eg discussions about how it feels to return to work for the first time after child caring, sharing of experiences of physical symptoms and managing them at work both before and after leave, balancing roles inside and outside of work, flexible working to take on caring responsibilities etc
• Friendship with people in similar life situations within the School

'Pop-In' Sessions

Pre-pandemic we had hosted a couple of 'Pop-In' session where we are able to meet up over a cuppa and chat. These were held both at King's Buildings and CRM, and when restrictions allow we would like to get back to these.

MS Teams

We have set us a Teams group for people to join and get to know each other. Everyone is welcome and please feel free to introduce yourself on the Post channel when you join.

Would you like to be a friendly face for working carers in the School?

We are always looking to have to volunteer working carer contacts from the School. The Working Carers Contacts will help host these informal  ‘Pop Ins’ in different buildings and SBS locations about 4 times per year, when normal circumstance s resume, but online . Not all contacts need to attend all Pop Ins as the host will rotate. Time commitment will be minimal. Contacts will support SBS Staff and PhDs that are carers as noted above.

Please contact lead Louise Bishop on louise.bishop@ed.ac.uk to express your interest in becoming a Working Carer Contact, or to find out more about the Network.