Self-care for carers: A day of wellbeing for those who care for others
- lizapatoux
- Feb 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24
Local well-being businesses join forces to support mental health, as part of the Inclusive Innovation in Mental Health Challenge. A group of wellness businesses came together in February to offer a day of well-being activities to carers at Awaken – London, offering some much needed self-care to those who care for others.
A chance to nourish mind, body and soul: The Self-care for Carers Day was an initiative by a local community group of carers and holistic therapists who came together in 2024 through the Inclusive Innovation in Mental Health Challenge run by the London Boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Islington, in partnership with Imperial College London. The team received a small prize to implement their idea of addressing the well-being needs of those who look after the care of others, so that they can remain well enough to do that. The day retreat was designed to provide carers with the rest, self-care and tools needed to help them feel supported, uplifted and refreshed. Hosted by Brook Green’s Wellness Café Awaken – London, the day offered Mindfulness, Movement and Relaxation from Elizian Days, a Therapeutic Art Playshop from Splitting Light, Financial Stress Relief Sessions with Focusivity, finishing with a soothing sound bowl. The prize made it possible to offer funded places for carers, including a nourishing lunch from Awaken – London.
The owner of Awaken – London, Lulu Gwynne, opened the doors of her wellness café to host the well-being event. “Awaken is about creating a caring and supportive space where the community can come together for the nourishment they need for their mind and body,” says Lulu. “This is a chance for anyone who gives a lot of themselves caring for others to dedicate some time for their own self-care needs instead, and let us take care of them.”
Liza Patoux, who founded Elizian Days to offer workplace well-being, is currently taking part in the Boosting Life Sciences Start Up programme for health and well-being businesses and adds: “It’s really hard for anyone juggling the demands of being a carer alongside all the other responsibilities we have in life and at work. With many of us caring for children or elderly parents too, this is becoming an increasingly common situation and I really hope that this day of well-being will bring some much needed self-care time for anyone who takes care of others.”
Debbie Best, from Hammersmith, is a full-time carer campaigning to raise awareness of the need to focus on the well-being needs of unpaid carers in order to support their mental health. “Having a self-care practice quietens my mind, helping me relax and sleep, feel more connected, as well as addressing my deeper emotional and psychological needs as a carer”, explains Debbie. “It allows me to stop thinking for an hour to give my nervous system a break, bringing some tranquillity, inner peace and calm.”
“Accompanying others on their own self-care journey is deeply fulfilling work for me - and it is possible because of my commitment to myself,” adds Jennifer Huddleston of Splitting Light. “A Splitting Light Playshop is designed to connect participants first to themselves, amplifying the potential for authentic and intentional connection with others.”
“Carers spend years helping or being a full-time supporter for a disabled family member or loved one,” Says Focusivity’s Valerie Lothian, aspecialist in financial stress relief, whose services help carers gain more control over their finances while prioritising wellbeing. ”Due to their care responsibilities, this often has a great personal cost or they can face limited progression opportunities.”
Thirteen local unpaid carers attended the self-care retreat day at Awaken-London, and here is some of the feedback they left on what they got out of the day and the difference that it made to their well-being:
“Best decision ever! Feeling light, lifted in mood and energy. Also connecting with others made a difference.”
“It allowed me to centre myself and by taking part it helped me to understand what is needed. This is a start for me.”
“It makes me realise just how important it is to take time out for self-care.”
“I feel a lot more relaxed and content”
Why It Matters
When carers are unwell, the people they care for are affected too. This project isn’t just about self-care - it’s about ensuring carers can continue to thrive while supporting others. Our initiative was created to honour the incredible strength and compassion of carers and offer the rest and care they so deeply deserve. About us
We’re a local community group of carers and holistic therapists who came together in 2024 through the Inclusive Innovation in Mental Health Challenge run by the London Boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Islington, in partnership with Imperial College London. Our prize-winning idea was to address the wellbeing needs of those who are so selflessly looking after the care of others, so that they can remain well enough to do that. When the carer is ill, what happens to those who are dependent on them?
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the event or would like to discuss supporting carers in your organisation or your own self-care please email liza@eliziandays.com.