News and Events
Carers Week 2021 (7-13 June)
The theme this year is 'Making Carers Visible and Valued'.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Carers Count are holding a Virtual Carers Week on their website all this week, with lots of activities and events happening throughout the week, as well as a hosting the following workshop via Teams:
Carers Count Workshop (Wednesday 9 June, 12:15 – 13:15)
Ann Marie Brabiner from Carers Count Kirklees will host an open session giving advice and details of support available to those of you with dependants, however great or small your caring responsibilities.
Please email Olivia Briddon to book your place!
National Day for Staff Networks #Togetherness - Meet Your Networks (All Welcome)
Wednesday 12 May 12.00 – 13.00
The University of Huddersfield welcomes and supports the development of staff networks. Our staff networks provide an opportunity for staff who share a protected characteristic to network, obtain peer support and share information. They can also offer opportunities for staff to inform university policy on equality-related issues and topics.
The University currently has 4 active staff networks:
- Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer and Intersex + (LGBTQI+) Staff Network
- Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network
- Women’s Staff Network
- Staff Disability Network
The National Day for Staff Networks on Wednesday 12 May is dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the added value networks bring to the workplace. The theme this year is #Togetherness, with the aim of encouraging collaboration, supporting aligned activity and further inspiring the voice of staff networks.
On Wednesday 12 May, the Chairs of each staff network are holding an informal event where all staff are welcome to attend and find out about the work of each network. You do not have to identify with the characteristics of the networks to attend, you may be interested in attending as an ally or just want to find out more about their work. The event will take place at 12:00 – 13:00, please contact Olivia Briddon for a joining link if you would like to attend.
Inclusion Week 2021
Monday 8 March 2021 - International Women’s Day – Inspirational Women
12.15pm – 1.15pm
Celebrating International Women’s Day, join us for an online panel discussion to hear the experiences and career journeys of inspirational women both past and present at the University.
Professor Dame Xiangqian (Jane) Jiang, Professor of Precision Metrology at the University of Huddersfield
Professor Joanne Garside, Professor and Strategic Director of the Health & Wellbeing Academy at the University of Huddersfield
Maggie Birkenshaw, Netball Coach for Leeds Rhinos (previously held the post of Security Manager at the University)
Book your place on this event by clicking the link
Wednesday 10 March 2021 - Inclusion by Design: Dyslexia Awareness
12.15pm – 1.15pm
Delivered by Sharon Morgan, Senior Disability Adviser and Project Coordinator
This thought-provoking session will look at dyslexia and highlight where a student may experience difficulties whilst studying at University. It will offer practical suggestions on how to present information and support students in the learning environment.
Book your place on this event by clicking the link
Friday 12 March 2021 - Carers Count Workshop
12.15pm - 1.15pm
5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work - that's 1 in 7 of the workforce. Caring can be rewarding, but it does impact every aspect of a carer’s life, including their own mental and physical health, relationships, finances and work. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, carers are facing even greater challenges to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. There will also be people who have recently taken on new caring responsibilities because of the pandemic.
Ann Marie Brabiner from Carers Count will host an open session giving advice and details of support available to those of you with dependants, however great or small your caring responsibilities.
Tuesday 9 March 2021 - Stonewall Lunch and Learn with Cake Bennet - The Power of Language
12.15pm – 1.15pm
This session will start by briefly going through the history of Stonewall as an organisation, before proceeding with the main conversation of language. Here we will begin by looking at terminology commonly used in the LGBT+ community. By understanding and being aware of common and appropriate language people often feel more empowered to have conversations about LGBT+ topics and experiences and are generally more able to learn and understand. This understanding enables individuals to remove any biases or misunderstandings that may have been barriers to their LGBT+ acceptance and inclusion.
We will also briefly look at the definitions of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. From terminology we will move on to look at why language is so important in LGBT+ inclusion, with a particular focus on language around pronouns and the impact that pronouns can have on people; in this section we will also cover some practical ways to learn people’s pronouns.
After exploring the importance of language we will take a look at how language can be used negatively in the forms of bullying and harassment (B&H), with some examples of what this can look like – there will be a trigger warning before we enter this section of the session for anyone who feels they need to step away. This will cover some general examples of B&H relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, and will then expand to look at appropriate and inappropriate language and questions to use or ask when speaking to or about trans people.
Lastly, we’ll look at how inclusive language can benefit a workplace and the individuals in the workplace, and what small and immediate changes people can make to improve the experiences of LGBT+ colleagues.
Book your place on this event by clicking the link
Thursday 11 March 2021 - A Debt that Remains Owed with Delroy Beverley CCMI, MioD
12.15pm – 1.15pm
Driven by his faith, self-discipline, and early life experiences, Delroy will talk about the importance of inclusivity, now, more than ever and how he has remained driven to ensure that there are more Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic people in Board and Executive management positions.
Delroy Beverley is Managing Director for one of the UK’s largest independent facilities commercial service providers for the NHS. Previously, he was Executive Director at Nottingham City Homes (NCH), an award-winning UK housing company. With over three decades of executive leadership experience, spanning housing, local government and the private sector, he was, in 2018 voted one of the most influential BME Leaders in the UK housing sector.
Delroy is currently Chairman for CMI, North, East, Yorkshire and Humberside Board. He also serves as Non-Executive Director and Trustee on the Board of The British Library. In 2020, he was appointed, Chairman of the Board for the Institute of Directors covering, Yorkshire and North East. He was appointed to University of Huddersfield Council on 1st August 2020.
Book your place on this event by clicking the link
LGBT+ History Month - February 2021
LGBT+ History Month Quiz
Wednesday 10 February, 18:30pm - 19:30pm
The LGBTQ+ society are running a free quiz for all about LGBT+ history month. Students and staff can book here.
The Gemini Club: Huddersfield’s 'Cesspit of Filth’
Thursday 11 February, 10:30am - 11:30am
For this live streamed event, we will be hearing from Lizzie (they/them), a Huddersfield masters graduate of Architecture and RIBA award winner. Lizzie will be talking about the history of the Gemini club in relation to the architecture and the LGBT+ movement.
Students and staff can book here
Disclosure Netflix WatchParty for LGBT+ History Month
Wednesday 17 February, 14:30pm - 16:15pm
“In this documentary, leading trans creatives and thinkers share heartfelt perspectives and analysis about Hollywood's impact on the trans community.” Shown as part of LGBT+ History month, event is free and on Netflix.
Students and staff can book here.
Being an LGBT+ Ally Workshop
Thursday 25 February, 14:30pm - 15:30pm
Want to be an active ally to the LGBT+ and community? Come along and practice your allyship in a safe space.
Students and staff can book here.
International Day of People with Disabilities - 3 December 2020
Wednesday 3 December 2020 is the International Day of People with Disabilities. To mark this event, once again, the Disability Team are delivering online training sessions from Monday 30 November - Friday 4 December, to raise awareness of disabilities and increase engagement with colleagues across the University. We are delighted to be joined by colleagues in Wellbeing, Staff Development, HudStudy, Careers, HR, Staff Disability Network and the Student Union, to provide a variety of trainings opportunities for staff and students during the week-long celebration of this event.
We are offering a wide range of training sessions during the week that will focus on invisible disabilities, mental health difficulties, digital accessibility, assistive technology, reasonable adjustments, autism and dyslexia awareness. Please use this link to review the full selection of activities and book on to sessions.
In addition, we have produced two webpages, one with information that colleagues will find useful and one for students, with a host of new information on disabilities. Both webpages will be available from 30th November for the week and can be accessed here:-
Staff Information: International Day of People with Disabilities
Student Information: International Day of People with Disabilities
The Oastler lights will shine purple for the week in support of our events and we would also invite staff members to join us in wearing purple that week to help raise awareness of disabilities.
We hope you will join in and support events where possible during the week.
Zoom Cuppa and Chat Session with Carers Count - 26 November
Are you helping or looking after a family member?
Carers Count provides support and access to resources, for those of us who undertake a caring role.
On Thursday November 26th at 1pm they are hosting a Zoom Cuppa and Chat Session explaining the different types of support available to carers and how to access it.
You can book a place on the Zoom Cuppa and Chat Session and/or watch an overview video on the Carers Count website.
Carers Count are based in Huddersfield, but they also work with neighbouring organisations who support those of us who live, or look after someone who lives, outside of Kirklees. They produce a regular newsletter with lots of useful information and provide support in:
- Carer Wellbeing
- Advocacy- Getting your voice heard and understanding choices
- Information & Advice
- Benefits
- Mental Health Service for carers
Telephone 0300 012 0231 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
info@carerscount.org.uk www.carerscount.org.uk
National Inclusion Week 2020
This year’s National Inclusion Week (NIW) takes place between Monday 28 September – Sunday 4 October. The events listed below are running throughout the week, online through Zoom or Teams due to COVID-19 restrictions, they are centred on sharing and promoting inclusive practice. The theme this year is Each One, Reach One, which highlights the impact we can all have by reaching out to others and sharing the importance of inclusion.
Details of our full programme are as follows:
Monday 28 September 2020, 1.00pm – 2.00pm
An Introduction to Psychological Safety
In this 60-minute introduction to psychological safety, you will explore the key areas you need to know about psychological safety in the workplace. Psychological safety in the workplace means that every single person in an organisation is able to bring their whole self to work and feel safe to speak out. There are 5 key areas that organisations need to address to ensure EVERYONE can bring their whole self into the workplace and feel safe to do so.
In this session, Gina will talk you through the 5 Pillars of Psychological Safety. Gina Battye is a world-renowned Authenticity, Psychological Safety and LGBT+ Inclusion Consultant and Trainer for Multinational Corporations, Fortune 500s, TV, Film and the Global Press. Gina's 5 Pillars of Psychological Safety are the building blocks being used around the world to create fully inclusive workplaces. In essence, they cultivate an environment where people thrive. When you have a psychologically safe environment, people communicate and collaborate effectively and a culture of curiosity and creativity is cultivated.
In this session you will explore:
- What is psychological safety
- Why it is important
- What affects your safety in the workplace
- What do psychologically safe environments look like
- The 5 Pillars of Psychological Safety
Book An Introduction to Psychological Safety
Friday 2 October, 1.00pm – 1.45pm
Supporting Working Carers
5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work - that's 1 in 7 of the workforce. Caring can be rewarding, but it does impact every aspect of a carer’s life, including their own mental and physical health, relationships, finances and work. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, carers are facing even greater challenges to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. There will also be people who have recently taken on new caring responsibilities because of the pandemic.
Ann Marie Brabiner from Carers Count, Kirklees will host an open session giving advice and details of support available to those of you with dependants, however great or small your caring responsibilities.
Book Supporting Working Carers
Tuesday 29 September 2020, 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Software to Support Studying and Working
Many people can have times when studying/working is an uphill struggle and some people have additional needs. This session will explore software which can support everyone and assist with studying and working more effectively and efficiently.
This session will be run by Andy Eachus (Digital Skills Trainer – Accessibility)
Book Software to support studying and working
Wednesday 30 September 2020, 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Inclusion by Design: Are Your Documents and Emails Inclusive?
This session will focus on what we can change in our daily practice to make our communications more accessible for those that have a disability. It will explore why creating inclusive documents and emails matters and the positive impact that improving your practice in this area can have.
This session will be run by Sharon Morgan (Senior Disability Adviser and Project Coordinator)
Book Inclusion by Design
Thursday 1 October 2020, 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Supporting Student Mental Health
This session will provide an introduction on how to support students with mental health issues; we will look at four of the most common issues that we face in Wellbeing (anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide). Participants will discuss a number of scenarios and decide what the best course of action is.
This session will help participants to:
- Learn more about anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide
- Identify the impact MH difficulties have on students’ attendance, engagement and attainment.
- Maintain boundaries with students
- Manage self-care
- Understand the impact of capacity and consent regarding confidentiality
The session will be run by Emma Carpenter (Wellbeing Manager) and Francesca Devlin (Wellbeing Educator and Advisor).
