“A time to think about how I feel”: How BEAM helps Carers reconnect with themselves
For many unpaid Carers across the United Kingdom, it can be difficult to find time for yourself.
Appointments, household responsibilities, and constant worry can leave very little time to think about your own wellbeing. The emotional strain can build quietly.
The BEAM Programme (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health) offers activities, workshops, and courses designed to support unpaid Carers with their mental health and emotional awareness.
Every Carer joining BEAM receives a personal Wellbeing Check and support plan. From there, you can choose activities that feel right for you.
In this article, we’re shining a light on four selected BEAM courses and the difference they have made in helping Carers feel brighter, stronger and more connected.
To access BEAM support, simply register with the Birmingham Carers Hub and then fill in our quick form.
Creative Art Sessions with Unravelled Mind
Unravelled Mind Studio are all about blending mental health and creativity to help you relax, unwind, and discover your inner artist.
For many Carers, stress and emotional pressure can become a constant part of daily life. Creative activities can provide an important outlet.
Research from University College London has linked participation in arts-based activities with improved health and slower biological ageing. Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Feifei Bu, senior author of the study and UCL academic, explained:
“Our study provides the first evidence that arts and cultural engagement is linked to a slower pace of biological ageing.”
This is particularly relevant for unpaid Carers, who often experience prolonged stress, anxiety and emotional fatigue.
Unravelled Mind delivers two-hour monthly sessions focused on giving Carers regular restorative time away from the pressures of everyday life. Sessions combine therapeutic art activities with guided reflection and peer discussion, helping Carers process emotions, reduce stress and rebuild confidence through creativity.
“I was anxious to come today for the first time. However I am very pleased that I did… I felt very at ease and everyone who took part were in similar situations, which helped with conversation and sharing”
“It was a very calming experience”
“[it’s] good to have time away from responsibilities. Time to think about how I feel and put it down on paper. A good time to reflect and make plans”
The sessions run every Wednesday from 10am-12pm at Sense Touchbase Pears, 750 Bristol Road, B29 6NA.
Whether you consider yourself creative or not, these sessions offer a supportive space to slow down, reflect and explore how art and expression can support your wellbeing alongside your Caring role.
No previous art experience is required!
Caring for the Carer with Age Connects West Midlands
Carers often struggle to prioritise themselves or maintain healthy routines while supporting someone else.
Age Connects West Midland’s Caring for the Carer programme aims to change that by helping participants build small, manageable habits that support long-term wellbeing.
Delivered in small, supportive groups over three weekly sessions, the programme gives Carers the opportunity to speak openly with others who understand the realities of Caring.
Sharing your Caring experience can be challenging, but Age Connects is providing the chance to do so in a supportive environment alongside other Carers.
The sessions encourage connection, reduce feelings of isolation and create space for honest conversations about stress, resilience and self-care.
“It’s ok to show your feelings, how to relax more, accept when people praise you, needing time to look after yourself”
“[I left with lots of] tips and advice on wellbeing mindfulness”
The next dates are coming up in June. Register with BEAM to check availability and future course dates.
Counselling and Wellbeing workshops with ACP
Ashiana Community Project (ACP) offers counselling and wellbeing workshops designed to support Carers with emotional wellbeing, self-care and rest.
Many unpaid Carers carry emotional pressures that are difficult to speak about openly. Feelings of anxiety, frustration, guilt and exhaustion can build over time, especially when opportunities to rest or talk are limited.
ACP’s workshops provide a safe and supportive environment where Carers can explore these emotions with professional guidance.
Sessions focus on areas including anxiety management, sleep, stress and emotional resilience, while also offering practical tools that Carers can use in everyday life to support their mental wellbeing.
Carers can access up to six private counselling sessions, allowing support to be tailored to their personal circumstances and experiences.
The workshops are relaxed, welcoming and informative, helping Carers feel comfortable opening up at their own pace.
“Very helpful. Sadhana been amazing great advice and lots of patience. Her knowledge is very good helped me step by step throughout my journey. Will miss the sessions”
“This was a very supportive and adaptive programme with a very professional counsellor”
Mindfulness Groups for Dementia Carers
There are around one million unpaid Dementia Carers across the UK, with many providing high levels of support every day.
Alongside practical responsibilities, Carers often cope with feelings of grief, uncertainty and isolation as they support someone whose condition changes over time.
Research from Alzheimer’s Society found that 43% of Dementia Carers said Caring had put a strain on their relationships, while many are also balancing employment and other family responsibilities alongside their Caring role.
Dementia Carers Count’s mindfulness and emotional support groups aim to help Carers manage these pressures in a supportive and understanding environment.
The six-week online courses combine guided mindfulness techniques with group reflection and peer support. Led by an experienced counsellor, sessions help Carers process emotions such as guilt, loss and frustration, while developing techniques to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Importantly, the groups also remind Carers that their feelings matter too.
By creating space for reflection, emotional support and connection, the programme helps Dementia Carers feel less alone and more able to care for both themselves and the people they support.
Sign up to BEAM to find out how to get involved.
How to get started
Registering for BEAM supports quick and easy. Simply follow the steps below.
1. Register with Birmingham Carers Hub or contact us below.
2. We’ll arrange a Wellbeing Check to understand your needs.
3. Together we’ll create your personal plan and link you to local sessions.
4. You’ll have ongoing check-ins to see how you’re getting on.
