The third annual family fun day at Loughborough University London (LUL) took place on Tuesday the 3rd of September 2024. The purpose of this event is to bring together a community of parents and carers who work or study at the university to celebrate parenthood and caring responsibilities. Many staff brought their children onto campus for a fun filled day of activities.

We were lucky enough to have Badu Sport undertake a Paralympic themed sports session which included seated archery, boccia and seated volleyball. We also went on a visit to Staffordshire University to hear about future careers with the gaming industry and children then got to explore their esport arena. Children and parents also visited our very own Fab Lab, and everyone had a demonstration of the laser cutters, 3D printers and received a personalised gift to take home. With arts and crafts activities, Lego building and the ability to talk about and watch the Paralympics throughout the day, the event showcased the interdisciplinary nature of our university.

Dr. Emily Hayday (member of the LU MAIA Network) and a co-organiser of the event reflected on the day and said:

“hosting this event is a great day to share experiences and interact with colleagues and students who also have parental and caring roles. It promotes an inclusive culture and is always a fun and positive event bringing children onto campus to explore our university.”

The aim of this event is to raise visibility of parents and carers, as well as providing an opportunity for socialising, community building and growing an inclusive culture on campus. The Family Fun day was organised by the LUL EDI committee and provided an excellent opportunity to focus on the caring community principles that underpin our university ethos.

Dr. Ksenija Kuzmina, co-chair for LU Working Parents and Carers Staff Network, and co-organiser of the event said:

“It is a great event for our campus to host, it is a reminder that as individuals we juggle multiple roles every day and many of them are invisible in the workplace. I believe that through the Family Funday we foster greater awareness, empathy, and support with those around us”.      

We’re really looking forward to the 4th edition which will happen in 2025.

Read here about EDI at Loughborough University London campus.

To learn more about LU Working Parents and Carers Staff Network contact Ksenija on k.kuzmina@lboro.ac.uk

To learn more about LU MAIA Network contact Emily on E.Hayday@lboro.ac.uk