Newnham Family Forum 2019: ‘The Sandwich Generation’

The 2019 Newnham Family Forum discussed ‘The Sandwich Generation’: people who are caring for dependent children at the same time as ageing relatives.

Many people experience this double responsibility, which can be a stressful situation as well as a source of support. The number will continue to grow, as people live increasingly long, and people have children later in life.

The audience heard from three experts: Professor Debora Price (Professor of Social Gerentology at the University of Manchester, where she is also Director of MICRA); Fiona Phillips (journalist and broadcaster, best known for her 12 years on GMTV), and Dr Jo Withers (NC 1984 and fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners).

In the afternoon the speakers, panelist Michelle Greening, and the Roll Committee organisers, Victoria Hunter (NC 1996) and Hannah Plews (NC 1995), formed a panel and took questions from the audience. The discussion between panelists and audience was thought-provoking and informative, as well as moving as many shared their struggles and experiences.