Adult sibling day

Who the day is for

This event is for any adult sibling who lives in the UK and who has grown up with a disabled brother or sister.

You might have a brother or sister who has:

• A lifelong physical disability, such as spina bifida or cerebal palsy
• Or a lifelong learning disability, whether mild, moderate, severe or profound
• Or Autism
• Or a combination of the above

We hope that every sibling – regardless of the disability of their brother or sister – will gain something from the day. There are lots of reasons why siblings might attend:

• You might have worries about the future care of your brother or sister
• You may have two or more disabled brothers and sisters to think about
• You may be the main carer for your disabled brother or sister and find it hard to juggle this with your other commitments
• Your brother or sister may have passed away and you want to meet others who grew up with similar experiences
• You may not have had the opportunity to meet with other siblings like you before

Whatever your current circumstances – you are a sibling, and you are welcome here.

Purpose of the day

Relax and chat with other adult siblings who have grown up with a disabled brother or sister. Get practical advice and emotional support on sibling issues. Acknowledge the challenges and the strengths of being a sibling.

The day will include:

• The chance to meet and get to know other adult siblings who have disabled brothers and sisters
• Solicitor and Sibs Trustee Carol McBride will outline the key mental capacity, legal and financial issues that siblings need to understand when supporting their brother or sister
• Researcher Nikita Hayden tells us the preliminary results of the recent adult sibling research survey – the first of its kind in the UK
• Hear from a panel of adult siblings about their experiences growing up with their disabled brother or sister
• Family consultant Liz Wilson from Dimensions and sibling Annie Fergusson from PMLD link give advice on liaising with professionals that support your brother or sister
• Help to shape Sibs – contribute your ideas for the next phase of adult sibling work
• The workshops will close with a mindfulness wind-down
• Want to keep chatting afterwards? Join us in the hotel bar for a drink, 4pm – 6pm