A blog by Duncan Berryman, Student Surveys Officer, Careers, Employability and Skills department, Directorate of Education and Student Services.

I am the Student Surveys Officer and manage the Student Surveys Team. The Surveys Team are responsible for the delivery and analysis of the University’s student experience surveys (QSS, NSS, and PG surveys) as well as Graduate Outcomes and other careers related surveys.

I have an interest in archaeology and history, and I’m involved with the Ulster Archaeological Society. I enjoy visiting historic sites and working on publications from my doctoral research or other projects.

My wife has Myalgic encephalomyelitis. The main symptoms are fatigue, pain and brain fog. Her conditions vary from day to day and, as such, so do my caring responsibilities; I do whatever needs to be done based on the level of her symptoms that day. I do most household chores, particularly cooking, and often have to provide personal care and assist with mobility. Getting out of the house is important for our mental health but it’s rare for my wife to be able to do this by herself – she is a wheelchair user and often needs assistance to overcome obstacles, get her wheelchair in and out of the car, or a helper to go into an inaccessible shop, etc.

The unpredictable nature of my wife’s condition means I don’t know when she needs the most assistance. I have to take her to medical and physio appointments. This means I need to take time away from work.

My managers have been very understanding and informal flexible working has allowed me to support my wife when needed. Hybrid working also makes caring easier as I can be there when she needs me, and I don’t have to travel home.

I joined CONNECT when it started, to take the opportunity to meet others with caring responsibilities. The online coffee mornings during lockdown were a nice opportunity to meet people across the University and a change to what became normal life. CONNECT has also provided information about support and rights for carers.

Although everyone in Queen’s will have different situations, it has been interesting meeting and talking to other carers across the University. Caring can be lonely but CONNECT is an opportunity to take a break from work and caring and to connect with others who have something in common.

 

FIND OUT MORE

CONNECT (Caring for Others Network - Nurturing, Empowering and Communicating Together) meets regularly either in person or via Teams. It provides an opportunity for staff to socialise and seek advice from colleagues who have lived experience of the issues they are facing.

More information.

 

Duncan Berryman

Student Surveys Officer, Careers, Employability and Skills