Collaborating for Change: Eurocarers’ Research Working Group Meeting 2024
The 10th annual meeting of Eurocarers’ Research Working Group (ERWG) took place on 11–12 November 2024 in Gran Canaria, Spain, co-hosted by our colleagues from ACUFADE. This year, the meeting attracted 25 participants from 16 organisations across 12 countries, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of our network.
The ERWG meeting traditionally marks the conclusion of Eurocarers’ annual programme and serves as a vital platform to shape the themes for the year ahead. Whether it be through research projects, position papers or workshops, the group’s discussions play a pivotal role in setting the agenda. More importantly, the meeting’s primary goal, as with all Eurocarers’ activities, is to provide practical value to our members in their work.
With this in mind, this year’s agenda was designed to be as interactive as possible, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange. While the ambition was not to resolve every question raised, the brainstorming sessions offered new perspectives and potential ways forward on the many complex topics discussed. Ongoing evidence-based policy developments, co-creation in carer support, caring as a protected characteristic and the wellbeing of informal carers and care professionals were just a few of the themes explored by participants this year.
For those who could not attend, all presentations and notes shared during the ERWG meeting are now available on our website. You can access them here: https://shorturl.at/vlU1W.
The ERWG meeting was also a precursor to the Second International Care Congress, held on 13–14 November in Gran Canaria under the theme “Other Ways of Caring Are Possible” (https://www.congresocuidadosacufade.org/). A Eurocarers delegation actively contributed to the conference through presentations and workshops, fostering international dialogue on innovative practices that improve carers’ quality of life, recognise their invaluable contributions and promote effective ageing policies across Europe.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and look forward to continuing these meaningful discussions in the coming year.
