invitation to information session for those working in the Falkirk district

Information Session for Professionals

Would you recognise an unpaid carer?

Come along to network and learn about what we do, how you can identify and signpost unpaid carers for support!

If you know any other professionals who work with carers, please let them know about this opportunity. This session will give professionals an overview of what we do at the Carers Centre and how we can work together to support the carers they work with.

✅ Learn how we support unpaid carers
✅ Meet our teams and learn what they all do
✅ Connect with other professionals

✅ Gain practical insights into the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements, the hospital discharge process involving the carer, and more!

Let’s work together to support carers in our community!

📅 Thursday 24 September
⏰ย From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or via Zoom

Register for the event here!ย 

⁉️ ย Alternatively, if you can’t make this one and you’d like to be informed about upcoming sessions via emails, please register your interest here.

Invitation to Dementia Consultation

Consultation: Dementia – Services and Support

Do you care for someone with a dementia diagnosis and live in Falkirk?

If so, you are invited to this consultation. We would encourage you to join even if you havenโ€™t attended any the previous ones, asย your valuable insights can help shape dementia support.

Yvonne Cairns, NHS Forth Valley Dementia and Delirium Lead, and Emma Douglas, leader of the Community Mental Health Team for Older Adult Services, will be joining us again and are continuing to gather your views and experiences related to dementia services and support. The specific topic for this session will be confirmed later. During the session, Yvonne will also talk about how carersโ€™ views and feedback shared in the last few sessions have shaped improvements in the accident and emergency department.

Please register by 1 pm on Tuesday 15 September; however,ย if you require a translator, please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance.

Details:
📅 Thursday 17 September 2026
⏰ From 10 am to 12 noon
📍 In person at the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre or on Zoom
celebrating rosebank distillery for supporting unpaid carers

Respitality Donor Spotlight: Rosebank Distillery

Celebrating 1 Year of Support from Rosebank Distillery!

Rosebank Distillery has been donating Respitality breaks to support carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire for a whole year!

Thanks to their donations, unpaid carers were able to explore a piece of local history and enjoy some time out from their caring roles. Thank you so much for this fantastic opportunity and your continued support for unpaid carers in the local community.

Who is Rosebank Distillery?

Rosebank Distillery is a historic whisky distillery based in Falkirk, with roots dating back to 1840. It is renowned for its non-peated, triple-distilled single malt whisky, often described as the โ€œKing of the Lowlandsโ€ because of its distinctive fruity and floral character. After closing in 1993, the distillery was rescued by Ian Macleod Distillers in 2017 and extensively rebuilt, with whisky production recommencing in June 2023. Today, Rosebank combines its rich heritage with a modern visitor experience, offering distillery tours, tastings, and award-winning whiskies from its revived distillery

How did carers benefit?

Break opportunities like this make a huge difference to unpaid carers, helping them to take time to themselves or reconnect with friends and family. The carers who benefited from this break noted how their mood and overall wellbeing improved after their visit:

โ€œI enjoyed being able to put problems to the back of mind for a short time.โ€

โ€œThe staff were knowledgeable and this made the tour very interesting. I learned lots and it was put over with so much enthusiasm and passion that I couldnโ€™t help but feel my mood had improved greatly by the end.โ€

Read the full case study here.

Are you a local business?

Learn more about the Respitality initiative and how you can get involved here.

Are you a carer?

To find out more, please contact our Short Breaks team on 01324 611510 (Option 1) or email shortbreaks@centralcarers.co.uk

respitality logo

Respitality Initiative

Local businesses are making a difference in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

Support carers in your community by doing what you do best and reap the benefits.

What is Respitality?

Respitality is a Scottish Government supported social tourism initiative that creates opportunities for carers to take energising and short breaks from their caring role. While for many of us, making new memories is a natural part of life, without Respitality many carers may not be able to do so. They often don’t get the chance to take a break from their caring role.

As one of the approved delivery partners, we connect carers with local businesses who are willing to donate a break free of charge. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to practice social responsibility and give back to their communities.ย 

How does your business benefit?

Brand and marketing benefits

  • Improved public relations:ย 

Charitable donations will lead to positive media coverage, enhancing a company’s public image.ย 

  • Customer attraction:ย 

Some consumers favour businesses that donate to charity. Standing out from the competition may lead to potential new customer acquisition and increased sales.ย 

  • Brand storytelling:ย 

Donations provide companies with positive stories to share with customers, employees, and investors, giving you a powerful marketing tool.ย 

Employee and community benefits

  • Higher employee morale:ย 

Supporting charitable causes can increase employee pride, leading to higher morale, better retention, and a stronger sense of purpose.ย 

  • Stronger community relations:ย 

Supporting local charities builds a stronger, more resilient community, which can, in turn, benefit the business’s own long-term success.ย 

What can you donate?

  1. Restaurants:

By donating, youโ€™re serving more than food. You will be serving appreciation to those who care for others every single day.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a meal out once per week/once per month for a carer and companion.
  • Create a โ€˜Carers Tableโ€™ special night once per month.
  • Community support for example matching donations/pay it forward for customers.
  1. Cafes:

Give carers some breathing space. Donate a cup of coffee, a cake, or a spot of lunch to someone who tirelessly cares for others.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a set number of free drinks/snacks per month.
  • Offer a pay-if-forward scheme.
  • Coffee for Carers Day once per month (free coffee for any carers accessing the cafรฉ on a specific day)
  1. Spas

Well-being starts with rest. Help us to support the hidden heroes of unpaid carers in our communities.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a set number of vouchers (all booked by Centre staff) i.e. massages, facials, manicures, mini-treatments, spa access.
  • Host a โ€˜Carer Wellness Dayโ€™ with a taster session
  • Create care boxes with spa products/samples for those carers who cannot leave their cared-for person.
  1. Health & Beauty Providers:

Unpaid carers rarely get time for themselves. Your skills can give them back their confidence and provide a moment that is just for them.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a free treatment slot once per month (haircut, nails, massage, etc.)
  • Create a โ€˜carer chairโ€™ โ€“ one slot per week reserved for a free carer service
  • Offer at-home treatments for carers who cannot travel/leave the cared-for person
  • Provide small self-care kits
  1. Gyms:

Carers give their strength to others every day. Your gym can help them rebuild their own.

Donation Options:

  • Free day passes or week trials
  • Free memberships
  • Reserved spots in classes i.e. yoga, pilates, Zumba, etc.
  • 1:1 PT or wellness consults monthly
  • Online coaching or classes access
  • Challenge members to sponsor carer memberships through donations etc.
  • Host fitness events to raise awareness and funds for memberships etc.
  1. Leisure Activities

Carers give their families everything, but your business can give them the gift of time together.

Donation Options:

  • Donate family passes (cinema, bowling, play centres, trampoline parks)
  • Provide a monthly โ€˜carer family slotโ€™
  • Run special carer days/events
  • Donate experiences (escape rooms, adventure parks, museums, zoos)

Your business is not on this list, but youโ€™d like to give? Fantastic, weโ€™d love to hear from you! Fill out this form, and weโ€™ll be in touch.

What you get in return from us:

Partner with us and weโ€™ll spotlight your business that gives back to carers.

  • Youโ€™ll get tagged in our social media posts (Respitality join date celebration, case studies), thank you shoutouts for free PR etc.
  • Youโ€™ll be mentioned in local press releases
  • Youโ€™ll receive a certificate and decals to use to showcase your support.
  • Youโ€™ll be added to our โ€˜Wall of Thanksโ€™ on our website

Join today and make a carers day!

To find out more, please fill in this form now, and one of our team will be in touch: https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/respitality-business-eoi

 

care with confidence programme header showing an older gentleman and woman with their daughter and giving information about the sessions (Tuesdays from 10.30 am for Falkirk and Clackmannanshire carers)

Care with Confidence Programme – September

Our new programme has now been released!

Come along to learn about topics that can help you with your caring role.ย 

Tuesday 8 September 2026: Welfare Benefits Overview

Lyn McKay, Welfare Benefits Adviser, Citizens Advice Bureau, will give us an overview of different benefits, including working-age benefits and older adult benefits, with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have relating to welfare benefits.

Tuesday 15 September 2026: Canine Partners

William Holmes, Volunteer at Canine Partners, will be joining us to talk about the many incredible ways assistance dogs transform the lives of their Partners; not just making them more independent, but helping them gain confidence, socialise and take their place in society. Assistance dogs are trained to meet the needs of individuals with a physical disability or condition affecting their daily life and limiting their independence.

Tuesday 22 September 2026: Bowel Cancer UK Awareness Session

This session will be delivered by Bowel Cancer UK. You will learn important information about bowel cancer, including the prevalence of bowel cancer, the six most common signs and symptoms, and risk factors. Youโ€™ll also learn about the NHS bowel screening programme and the importance of taking part. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

Tuesday 29 September 2026: Caring for Smiles – NHS Forth Valley

Louise Balfour, Oral Health Central Nurse, NHS Forth Valley will talk about the importance of oral health. Did you know problems in the mouth can affect the rest of your body? Are you aware of different toothbrushes available to clean the mouth and teeth? Join us to find out more.

You can download the latest CwC programme leaflet from here.

To register for any of the sessions above, please click here.

For more information, please contact your Training Co-ordinator:

👩ย  Carly Crooks – Working hours: Monday โ€“ Thursday
📱 07563 391108
📧 carlycrooks@centralcarers.co.uk
invitation to help with transitions drop in cafe taking place in May

September Drop-in Cafe: Help with Transitions

Parents and unpaid carers of young people with additional support needs, pop in for a chat!

Join us if the child you care for is approaching or going through transitions, aged between 14 and 25, and lives in the Falkirk area.

Fiona Maguire (formerly known as Douglas), Transitions Coordinator for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), is hosting monthly ‘Drop-in Cafรฉs’ in the Carers Centre (1a Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB). You can drop in between 10 am and 1 pm on the dates below with questions or for a chat about transitions. These sessions are open to unpaid carers registered with the Carers Centre.ย 

✅ Ask questions about support available
✅ Learn how young people are supported in their transitions beyond school

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Thursday 17 September
🕒 From 10 am to 1 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB
❗We would appreciate if you could book your place here so that we can anticipate numbers, or just feel free to drop in on the day.ย 

If you have any questions or you are not registered with the Carers Centre, but would like to attend, please email daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.

The next sessions will take place on Thursdays between 10 and 1pm on the following dates:

  • 15 October
  • 12 November
  • 10 December
6- week autism course

6-week Parent Information Programme

Parents and unpaid carers of children on the autism spectrum, this series is for you.

Join this welcoming, conversational group led by Scottish Autism!

Scottish Autism’s Community Advisors will create a safe space that allows parents and carers to come together, share experiences, and learn from one another. Across six relaxed sessions, the group explores neurodiversity, communication and thinking styles, sensory understanding, stress and wellbeing, family relationships, and wider support networks, with time for reflection and open discussion throughout. This is a space for connection, conversation, and mutual support.

Session 1 (13th Aug): Introduction to Neurodiversity and Autism
Session 2 (20th Aug): Communication and Thinking Stylesย 
Session 3 (3rd Sept): Sensory Understandingย 
Session 4 (10th Sept): Stress and Wellbeingย 
Session 5 (1st Oct): The Wider Family and Circles of Supportย 
Session 6 (8th Oct): Final Reflectionsย 

Details:

📅 Thursday on the above dates
🕒 From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB or Zoom
Register here.ย 

If you have any questions or you are not registered with the Carers Centre, but would like to attend, please email daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.

invitation to session to feel empowered at medical appointments

Navigating Healthcare

Feel more confident at medical appointments

Supporting carers to advocate, prepare and partner with healthcare professionals.

Join us for an informative and supportive session with Margaret Ruddy, Lecturer in Nursing and Allied Health at the University of Stirling, exploring how carers can work in partnership with healthcare professionals when the person they look after is admitted to hospital, or during other medical appointments. This session will provide practical guidance to help you feel more confident and empowered during hospital stays and appointments.

Topics covered:
– Preparing for a hospital admission
– Preparing for medical appointments
– Self-care
– Advocacy
– Raising complaints

Many carers have let us know that supporting someone with hospital admissions and appointments can, at times, feel frustrating. Margaret will provide an opportunity to share these experiences in a supportive setting and will share her experiences of how carers can best navigate the hospital setting.

We also want to hear from you. There will be an opportunity to share your experiences and discuss:
โ€ข What has worked well for you?
โ€ข What challenges have you faced?
โ€ข What would you like professionals to better understand?

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Tuesday 1 September
⏰ From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or on Zoom
For more information or to register as a carer with the Carers Centre first, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.
invitation to a free digital skills course for adult carers

Free Digital Skills Course for Adult Carers

Get more from technology in everyday life

Gain confidence with digital tools, connect with others, and learn practical skills to help manage your commitments more easily.

We are delighted to welcome Neil McCarroll, Community Learning & Development Support Worker (Adult Learning) from Falkirk Council, who will deliver this practical 6-part training in a relaxed and supportive group setting.

The course will explore digital skills to help you stay connected, organised, informed and safe online. In a welcoming environment, you can develop the confidence to use technology safely and independently, and discover ways to make the most of your time, making it easier to balance all your commitments.

The programme is also a great opportunity to meet others, share experiences and discover useful digital tools at your own pace.

Topics may include:
โ€ข Using computers, smartphones & tablets with confidence
โ€ข Staying safe online and protecting personal information
โ€ข Shopping online safely and finding good deals
โ€ข Managing appointments, reminders and calendars
โ€ข Ordering repeat prescriptions and accessing services
โ€ข Recognising scams, fraud and misleading information
โ€ข Using email, messaging and video calls to keep in touch

No previous experience is required; equipment will be provided, and support is available every step of the way.

You are welcome to come along to the first session to see if this programme is useful for you, and then decide if you wish to continue with the rest of the block. Please register on the link below.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Thursdays on the following dates: 3 September, 10 September, 17 September, 24 September, 1 October, 8 October
⏰ From 1 pm to 3 pm
📍 In person only at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street
For more information or to register as a carer with the Carers Centre first, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.
Invitation to fill out falkirk carers strategy online consultation

Online Consultation: Falkirk Carers Strategy

Have Your Say on Falkirk Carers Strategy

Share your experience and help shape the future of unpaid carers in Falkirk!

Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership are developing a new Falkirk Carers Strategy. Your feedback will help shape the final strategy and how progress is measured over the coming years.

Please follow the link to share your views: Falkirk Carers Strategy | Participate+

The consultation will be open until Sunday 13 September.