Caring for Others Whilst Looking After Yourself
The University of Wolverhampton recognises the important contribution made by students and staff who provide unpaid care and support to family members, partners, friends or others who could not manage without their help.
Caring responsibilities can be rewarding, but they can also bring additional pressures and challenges. Balancing caring commitments alongside study, work and personal wellbeing can sometimes feel overwhelming.
We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where carers can access the support, flexibility and understanding they need to succeed.
Who Is a Carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without that help due to:
- Disability
- Long-term illness
- Mental health difficulties
- Substance misuse
- Frailty associated with ageing
- Additional support needs
You may not think of yourself as a carer, particularly if you see supporting someone as simply part of your family or personal responsibilities.
However, if you regularly provide practical, emotional or physical support to another person, you may be a carer.
Young Adult and Student Carers
Some students provide significant care alongside their studies.
This may include:
- Supporting a parent with a disability or illness
- Caring for a sibling
- Supporting a partner
- Helping someone with mental health difficulties
- Providing practical or emotional care
Many student carers successfully balance these responsibilities with university life, but additional support may sometimes be needed.
Staff with Caring Responsibilities
Many members of staff also balance employment alongside caring responsibilities.
This may include caring for:
- Children with additional needs
- Disabled family members
- Older relatives
- Partners with health conditions
- Individuals experiencing mental ill-health
The University recognises that caring responsibilities can affect wellbeing, workload and work-life balance.
Challenges Carers May Experience
Carers may experience:
- Time pressures
- Financial concerns
- Stress and anxiety
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Social isolation
- Difficulties attending appointments
- Challenges balancing study or work commitments
- Concerns about the well-being of the person they support
These experiences are common, and support is available.
Support for Student Carers
The University provides dedicated support for students who have caring responsibilities.
Support may include:
- Advice and guidance
- Academic support and flexibility where appropriate
- Wellbeing support
- Financial guidance
- Signposting to external support services
- Assistance navigating University processes
For more information, please visit:
Support for Students Who Are Carers
Support for Staff Carers
Staff with caring responsibilities may be able to access support through:
- Their line manager
- Human Resources
- Occupational Health
- Flexible working arrangements (where appropriate)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing support services
We encourage staff to seek advice early if caring responsibilities are affecting their work or wellbeing.
Looking After Your Own Wellbeing
Carers often focus on the needs of others and may neglect their own well-being.
It is important to remember that:
- Looking after yourself is not selfish.
- Taking breaks is important.
- Seeking support is a positive step.
- You cannot effectively support others if your own well-being is suffering.
Consider:
- Maintaining social connections
- Accessing wellbeing support
- Taking time for rest and recovery
- Asking for help when needed
Carers and Mental Health
Providing care can sometimes affect mental health and emotional well-being.
You may experience:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Feelings of guilt
- Burnout
- Isolation
Support is available whether these feelings are new or something you have been managing for some time.
You do not need to wait until you reach a crisis point before seeking help.
Financial and Practical Support
Carers may be eligible for additional support through external organisations and public services.
This may include:
- Carers' assessments
- Benefits advice
- Financial support
- Respite services
- Community support groups
The University can help signpost you to appropriate services.
Supporting Carers
If you are supporting a student or colleague who has caring responsibilities:
- Be understanding and flexible where possible.
- Avoid making assumptions.
- Recognise that caring responsibilities can be unpredictable.
- Encourage access to support services.
- Ask what support may be helpful.
Small acts of understanding can make a significant difference.
Carers Have Rights Too
Carers play a vital role in supporting others, but they also have the right to:
- Access to education and employment
- Look after their own well-being
- Seek support when needed
- Be treated fairly and with dignity
- Have their circumstances been understood and considered
The University is committed to supporting carers to achieve their goals whilst balancing their caring responsibilities.
Belonging Matters
Being a carer is an important part of many people's lives, but it should not prevent you from participating fully in University life.
We are committed to creating an environment where carers feel:
- Valued
- Included
- Supported
- Understood
- Able to succeed
Remember
You do not have to manage caring responsibilities alone.
Whether you are a student or a member of staff, support is available to help you balance your caring role alongside your studies, work and personal wellbeing.
The right support is the support that helps you continue caring for others whilst also caring for yourself.