World Childless Week is here to raise awareness of the childless not by choice (CNBC) community and to enable people who are childless not by choice to share their stories.
Of the women who reached the age of 45 years in 2017, 18% were childless at the end of their childbearing years compared to 10% a generation before (born 1945) (from Office for National Statistics, UK).
It’s likely that someone you know may be affected, but it can be a very difficult topic to discuss.
There are many complex reasons behind childlessness – including but not limited to: physical or mental illness, disability, social and economic situations, childhood trauma, abusive relationships, complex fertility journeys, relationship circumstances and many more.
World Childless Week is an open resource and can be a great way to understand more about this complex topic.
How can colleagues find support?
Here are the University of Bath, you can learn more in our guide to supporting employees who are childlessness not by choice.
We have a staff network for colleagues who are childless not by choice (for any reason or circumstance) to connect with others. The No Kidding network was established by two Staff Wellbeing Champions in 2022. It’s a small and friendly informal network where colleagues can build connections and share experiences, discuss topics of interest, and ask for support or advice. We meet regularly (on campus or online) and we have an online space to share resources.
To find out more, contact no-kidding@bath.ac.uk
Colleagues who have joined the group appreciate the chance to share experiences with others who ‘just get it’, a sense of connection to reduce isolation in an often-unspoken experience and sharing resources and topics for support.
Our network and resources at University of Bath have been recognised by several colleagues in UK Higher Education and beyond (e.g. NHS, local councils), and we are in the process of establishing a network with others who signpost or provide support in the workplace.
This year, it was wonderful to see the No Kidding network mentioned at the Staff Recognition Awards event, where the Staff Wellbeing Champions team received a team award for their work to support staff wellbeing, under Community & Inclusion.
What’s coming up
No Kidding group have monthly meet up dates in the diary – if you would like to find out more about the network, see our No Kidding network page or contact Alison and Rachel at no-kidding@bath.ac.uk
- Tuesday 24th September 12:30 – 13:30 On campus
- Thursday 24th October 12:30 – 13:30 MS Teams
- Tuesday 19th November 12:30 – 13:30 On campus
- Thursday 12th December 12:30 – 13:30 MS Teams
We also have a new Library List of recommended books on the topic of childlessness, covering different aspects and experiences of childlessness. You can access these books via the University library, whether you are directly affected, or would like to find out more to support others, or to inform research perspectives.
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