A blog by Dermot Leonard, Head of Business Alliance, Research and Enterprise Directorate.

My team is focused on supporting Queen’s researchers in developing projects that include non-academic partners, such as businesses and charities. The aim in working with these organisations is to ensure Queen’s research is as impactful as possible, generating real social and economic benefit.

I’m a member of Queen’s PEC, and regularly go to the gym there. I also play a weekly game of five-a-side on Thursday nights. I’m a big music fan and try to get to local gigs when I can.

My daughter Flora has Down Syndrome. While we’re very aware that Flora has been lucky to have not experienced some of the more serious consequences of Down Syndrome, she still requires more support than a typical child. This ranges from frequent and varied medical appointments to her disposition to being hospitalised with chest infections.

My caring responsibilities often require me to attend medical appointments during normal working hours, and on occasion to have to leave work at short notice, possibly for an extended period. This can make it difficult to have regular work patterns, and can present a challenge on meeting tight deadlines, which is a key part of my work.

I’ve been greatly supported by my line manager and colleagues in Research and Enterprise. They are aware of the demands of being a carer and are always willing to be flexible to accommodate my responsibilities. I also have to mention the incredible staff in Queen’s Childcare, who have looked after Flora since she was a baby, and still do now that she is in the Out of School Club there. We couldn’t ask for a better environment for her when we’re at work.

I’ve found that it’s difficult to get reliable information on the support available to carers and that, in practice, the best place to get this is from people who are dealing with the same challenges. I joined CONNECT Carers Network to meet people who have had similar experiences and can share what they’ve learned. I’ve already spoken to people who are a few years ahead of me as parent carers and received some really excellent advice and signposting.

I think it’s all too easy as a carer to feel that we can’t spare any time, and that can lead to missing opportunities to learn about what support is available, or even just share some challenges you’re having with people in the same situation. There’s an amazing relief that comes from speaking to someone about challenges you’re having, and hearing that they’ve been through it and come out the other side.

I’d recommend that every carer joins CONNECT, as it doesn’t require a huge commitment, but the benefit can be much greater than you would perhaps think.

 

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.

 

 

Dermot Leonard

Head of Business Alliance, Research and Enterprise Directorate