Carers Network Launch

17 Oct 2024

A dedicated staff carers network was launched in UCC on 17 October. 

Staff networks play a vital role in our university, and we are delighted to see this much needed network join the LGBT+, Mná, Race Equality, and Disability and Neurodivergence staff networks already in existence. 

Both the 2022 and 2024 Staff Values and Culture survey gave a clear indication of the need for increased support, across the university, for staff who are carers. Two-thirds of all respondents in the staff surveys reported having a caring responsibility, of which approximately 20% had non-parental caring duties such as elder care or caring for a relative with disabilities or ongoing illness.  The need to address this in a substantive way by the university is clear, and this network will help with supporting and advancing the needs of carers. 

Who cares for carers?

The mnemonic for UCC values as set out in our Strategic Plan is CAIRDEAS, which is the Irish for friendship, and we came together last week in that spirit to launch our fifth staff Network – the UCC Staff Carers’ Network.   The subject of the launch was ‘who cares for the carers?’ 

Many people in this university, staff and students, have been, are, or will be carers during their lifetime.  And many of us will be cared for by others.  In an ideal world, carers would not care in isolation but would have community support.  UCC is a community, and we hope that this network will provide support and shape the university into a more caring space.  

During the event, the work of colleagues such as Pat Rice and Rachel MagShamhráin, who have been at the forefront this work and advocating for carers in UCC since 2019, was recognised.  The invaluable support given to this early engagement by our late colleague, Professor Chris Williams was also highlighted.  Chris, in his position as Head of CACSSS, was incredibly and immediately understanding of an issue which back in 2019 was not on the broader radar.  

We look forward to working closely with this new network in the future.

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If you wish to contact the network, please email carers@ucc.ie.