The Importance of Mental and Physical Wellbeing for Carers: Exploring the BEAM Programme
On the latest episode of our Carer Friendly Conversations podcast, we explored how the right support can make a real difference to Carers’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
For West Midlands based Carer Jen, the difference it’s made has been astounding.
“One of the biggest things I’ve taken from RESET is learning to value myself and recognise that I have strengths beyond being a Carer.”
Jen took part in RESET, a 10-week psycho-education programme designed to address the challenges and difficulties that carers face, powered by Somaia Health.
Jen’s story illustrates how focussing on her own wellbeing led to improvements in all aspects of her life.
“My business has really taken off because I’ve had more capacity. I’ve allowed myself to do the things that I want to do and to put myself first. I go away for weekends now.
[I’ve began a] journey with the gym. I’ve gone from never imagining that I would step into a gym to now lifting weights I never thought possible.”
Jen’s experience is a powerful example of what can happen when Carers are supported to make space for themselves.
This is exactly what BEAM is designed for.
BEAM provides free, personalised support for eligible Birmingham Carers who may be feeling stressed, anxious or exhausted.
There are eight different offers available through the BEAM Programme, delivered by Forward Carers CIC with local partners.
Every Carer joining BEAM receives a personal Wellbeing Check and support plan before choosing activities that feel right for them. Support is available both online and in person.
Here we detail three of those BEAM programmes, including the RESET Programme. We tell the stories of Carers who, like Jen, have discovered a new sense of joy and reconnection with themselves.
We also provide the key dates to look out for, and you can find out more on our dedicated BEAM page.
The RESET BEAM Programme
RESET takes a holistic approach to Carer wellbeing, combining gentle movement and mindfulness with practical psychological tools.
Alex Broadbent explained the thinking behind the programme:
“We really want to encourage people to think about the whole of their health and wellbeing, rather than just concentrating on one part of it.”
Each week explores a different aspect of wellbeing, helping Carers understand their own needs, build resilience and find practical ways to manage some of the emotional demands of caring.
For Jen, one of the most valuable elements was realising she was not facing those challenges alone.
“Connecting with other Carers was really valuable. It helped me realise I wasn’t alone and that others were experiencing similar challenges.”
That sense of connection can be just as important as the techniques learned during the programme.
Sharing experiences with people who understand can help reduce isolation and give Carers permission to think about themselves again.
Key Dates:
First session: Wednesday 30th September, 10am – 1pm
Location: Birmingham Buddhist Centre
(Please note RESET run two separate Carers courses. Only this course is part of our BEAM offer).
Dementia: Emotional Support & Mindfulness Groups
Caring for someone living with dementia can bring complex emotions.
Led by Dementia Carers Count, BEAM’s Emotional Support & Mindfulness Groups provide a supportive space where Dementia Carers can explore those feelings with people who understand.
The six-week online programme combines group reflection with guided mindfulness techniques.
As the sole online-only programme, the emotional and mindfulness group is the perfect programme if you are unable to travel to a location.
Facilitated by an experienced counsellor, sessions are designed to help Carers process difficult emotions, manage stress, improve sleep and reconnect with a sense of calm.
Carers have clearly found the experience cathartic:
“[It was] lovely to speak to other Carers. The meditation was excellent listening to a quiet calming voice. Using visualisation was also a good technique to draw on”
Carers who have accessed Dementia Carers Count support are moved by the opportunity to share their experiences with other Carers.
Taken from their What I Wish You All Knew campaign, Lesley said:
“I realised that I wasn’t alone. I felt very personally and genuinely heard, validated and respected in a way I hadn’t been before, for everything I was trying to do and be for Mum.”
Upcoming dates:
To be confirmed.
Caring for the Carer Wellbeing Sessions
The Age Connects West Midlands Caring for the Carer programme supports unpaid Carers to focus on their own wellbeing. This includes building resilience, sleep, nutrition and physical activity.
Importantly, respite support is available, with the person being cared for supported in the same building while the Carer takes part.
For Carers, this allows them to use the opportunity to focus purely on their own wellbeing.
“I am so glad I attended this course as it was something that I did for my own health and wellbeing, which I normally don’t do as I put others first.”
Another Carer described a similar realisation:
“I realised I have to care about my own wellbeing and mental health, which I don’t normally do.”
Carers have also talked about becoming more aware of the warning signs that they are becoming overwhelmed:
“Being aware of my body whilst in the project. Recognising the stress before I become overwhelmed and the importance of saying no.”
Even small changes can alleviate stress and improve their ability to continue caring without reaching crisis point.
There is also the potential support with travel to location for eligible Carers if agreed in advance.
Upcoming Dates
September: 10, 17 and 24
October: 8, 15 and 22
November: 12, 19 and 26
Get Involved
Jen’s story reminds us that Carer wellbeing support is about much more than managing stress.
It can be about reconnecting with who you are outside your caring role.
For Jen, it meant growing her business, going away for weekends and reconnecting with her passions.
If you are an unpaid Carer in Birmingham, find out more about the BEAM Programme and the different support available.
You can also hear more from Jen and Alex B about RESET in the latest episode of Carer Friendly Conversations.
