{speedy:add_tag}the-value-of-care{/speedy:add_tag} The Value of Care | Events | Festival of Social Science Skip to Content

The Value of Care

Exploring lived-experience through art

Date & time
17 October - 29 October 2026

Pencil sketch of simplified, featureless figures interacting outside and inside a café with a dog, framed as if viewed through a window or doorway by another figure standing in the foreground.

Event format

Attend event in person

Event type

Exhibition

Event topic

Family relationships, Health and wellbeing

Audience

All

Academic discipline

Sociology and social policy

Venue

Union St, 18-20 Union Street, Sheffield S1 2JP

What's on offer?

Exhibition of artwork exploring the experiences of family carers. 

What's it about?

The Value of Care: Exploring lived-experience through art presents bespoke artworks by parent carer and artist Becky Whinnerah, created for two research projects at the University of Sheffield - Tired of Spinning Plates and No one wants to talk about it.

Through evocative illustrations, displayed alongside real research data and interview quotes, the exhibition explores the mental health experiences of family carers supporting adults with learning disabilities, the relationships between these family members, and how they navigate major life transitions together. Touching on the practical and financial difficulties of being a family carer, as well as the emotional experiences, the collection powerfully illustrates both the challenges, and joys, of caring.

Come reflect on the realities of family care and discover new perspectives on building a more supportive future.

Who's leading the event?

Professor Katherine Runswick-Cole, Chair in Education and Artist Becky Whinnerah

Open to

Open to all

Of particular interest to

Anyone with experience of caring for a family-member or interested in lived experiences of family carers, illness and disability 

Event Booking details

No booking required. Drop-in during opening hours.

Scheduling information

Open Saturdays 2.00-6.00pm; Tuesdays to Thursdays 8.30am - 2.30pm

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