The importance:
Many student parent/carers struggle mentally/physically with the dual responsibility of family and academics. They manage parenting/caring, for example, school drop-offs, cooking their meals, attending extracurriculars, and managing the health of loved ones whilst they prepare for exams, attend lectures, and revise.
Time poverty, financial insecurity, and low sense of belonging are core issues student parents and carers deal with. Our association aims to tackle these issues by hosting events and running campaigns.
The role of this association:
Our association focuses on 4 main pillars.
1. Regular community meetups.
Why? Student parents and carers experience a low sense of belonging due to a lack of community support.
2. Educational workshops
Why? Student parents and carers experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Workshops designed to educate and boost mindfulness to ensure students are supported.
3. Support sessions
Why? These support sessions focus on the students' wellbeing by introducing useful tools and practices and linking to additional Queen’s resources.
4. Implemented systems
Why? Campaigns to advocate for change and introduce systems to help the community. This reduces problems student parent’s and carers experience.
Regular community meetups: Our association aims to organize regular meetups to foster community and cultivate a sense of belonging. These meetups will most likely happen at the SU and occasionally occur at other spots in and around Belfast.
Educational workshops: Workshops provided by professionals, including HSCNI (Health and Social Care Belfast), Support2gether Research Initiative, and other wellbeing experts.
Support sessions: A range of wellbeing and one-to-one events designed to provide additional support. For example, Yoga, Meditation, visualization, and support links to Queen’s resources.
Implemented Systems: Also referred to as Campaigns, aim to advocate for change within the SU and beyond. For example, A Student’s Parents’ and Carers’ Passport and reduced prices on Parenting goods (These will be actioned later in the year)
What events are planned?
You're in for a treat… There will be many events hosted this year!
A Pizza Afternoon with a fun quiz!
Mindfulness sessions showcased by experts
Informational events hosted by professionals
Online Yoga
Educational workshops on pre- and post natal depression
Support meetings held at the SU
Health sessions by Queen’s Medical students
Want to know how to use technology to your advantage (boost time management, stress management…)?
And much more…. Feel free to suggest events!
What additional provisions will be organized?
Podcast: A podcast with student parents and Carers, sharing learnings, experiences, and new perspectives. (COMING SOON)
A Parents/Carers Linker - Support channel that connects students to help within the university and beyond. (COMING SOON)
A newsletter with upcoming events and additional information on wellbeing and support. (COMING SOON)
Opportunities for Students:
Committee Election for Secretary and Treasurer with the help of the SU. Make sure you are a member to help with our journey. Elections are happening soon. Submit your manifesto!
Suggest events! Email the association to bring your events to life.
A direct communication channel with the SU.
Who can join:
Social Media: Our Instagram is up and running. We post regular updates! Instagram
Freshers Fair: Come check us out! We will be there!
Support Link document (web links connecting you to university and external support, communities and mental wellbeing tools): Support Link Document