imagery to describe the post is about minutes for any consultation that took place with Falkirk carers in 2026.

Minutes for consultations with Falkirk Carers

Here you can find all the minutes for consultations with Falkirk carers that took place in 2026.

These meetings provide a great opportunity for carers to meet with other carers, representatives from local authorities, and other third sector organisations. Carers can share their views and experiences to help shape local and national carer support, and learn about useful services, as well as important updates that may impact their caring role. For minutes from the monthly Carers’ Voice meetings, please go to our Publications page.

If you’d like to join upcoming carer consultations, please email Sharlene Ramage, Carer Participation Development Worker, sharleneramage@centralcarers.co.uk.

Date Guest Organisation Topic Link to minutes Progress Updates
17.09.26 NHS Forth Valley Dementia: Updates and Improvement to Services in Forth Valley Minutes Minutes of previous sessions in this series can be found below
20.08.26 NHS Forth Valley NHS Forth Valley’s Strategic Plan Minutes
20.08.26 Expected Guest Speaker was Primary Care Mental Health Team Leader from Falkirk Community Hospital Services, Support, and hearing carers’ experiences and views Minutes
06.08.26 Hourglass Services and Support for older people experiencing abuse Minutes
31.07.26 University of the West of Scotland Research – Behind the Scenes: Understanding the role of unpaid carers looking after people affected by alcohol and other drug use Minutes
23.07.26 NHS Forth Valley Dementia: Post diagnostic support resources Minutes Minutes of previous sessions in this series can be found below
18.06.26 NHS Forth Valley, with Chief Executive Improvements to Hospital Services Minutes
09.06.26 Social Security Scotland Benefits Minutes
01.06.26 Woodlands Resource Centre (NHS The Bungalows) Mental Health Services for those aged 18-65 Minutes
28.05.26 Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership Changes to Integrated Discharge and Care at Home Services Minutes
21.05.26 Scottish Government and NHS Forth Valley Vaccines: Flu, Covid, RSV Minutes
14.05.26 NHS Forth Valley Dementia: Sensory Changes Minutes Minutes of previous sessions in this series can be found below
07.05.26 University of Stirling Nursing Programme Minutes
24.04.26 Falkirk Council’s Children with Disabilities Social Work Team Services and Support Minutes
12.03.26 NHS Forth Valley, with Chief Executive Discharge Process & Medication Minutes
05.03.26 No guest CONSOLIDATE Network Research Minutes CONSOLIDATE Research Report – July 2026
13.02.26 Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership Hospital Discharge & Care at Home Services Minutes

 

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 CafΓ©s’ 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.Β 

✅ 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 16th October
🕒 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.Β 

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:

  • 12 November
  • 10 December
showing a picture of Dayna the host to our new podcast series

New Podcast Alert!

Respitality Explained: Supporting Unpaid Carers Through Meaningful Breaks

Learn how unpaid carers can access opportunities to rest, recharge and reconnect with insights from Kerry Sloan, Shared Care Scotland.

We’re excited to launch the very first episode in our brand-new podcast series!
For our debut episode, we’re shining a spotlight on Respitality – an innovative programme offering unpaid carers the chance to enjoy a well-deserved break, thanks to generous hospitality providers across the country.
Join us as we chat with Kerry Sloan, Respitality Manager at Shared Care Scotland, who explains:
✨ What Respitality is and how it works
✨ Who can access it
✨ How to make the most of these amazing opportunities
Whether you’re a carer looking for a break, a professional supporting carers, or simply curious to learn more, this is the perfect place to start. Tune in and discover how Respitality is helping carers recharge, relax, and reconnect.
meeting invite to consultation about Falkirk's Care at Home redesign

Consultation: Falkirk’s Care at Home redesign

Have Your Say!Β 

Find out about proposed changes, hear how your feedback has influenced developments, and share your views.

Daniel Stoddart, Care at Home and Review Lead for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership will join us to tell us about developments regarding Falkirk’s Care at Home redesign. Many of you will have been involved with consultations in the Carers Centre with Daniel or completed his questionnaire on Participate+. Daniel will also tell you how your views have helped to shape this new service.

Please register by 1 pm on Tuesday 29 September; however, if you require a translator, please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance.

Details:
📅 Thursday 1 October 2026
⏰ From 1 to 3 pm
📍 In person at the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre or on Zoom
Register for the event here: https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/FHSCP-consultation

dementia programme header showing an older lady with her daughter and giving information about the sessions (last Tuesdays of the month from 10.30 am for Falkirk and Clackmannanshire carers)

Dementia Information Sessions – September to December

Our new Dementia programme is out!

Come along to learn about topics that can help you care for someone with dementia.

Tuesday 29 September 2026: Oral Health – Caring for Smiles

We will welcome Louise Balfour, Oral Health Dental Nurse, NHS Forth Valley for this session. Your oral health and the person’s oral health you care for are more important than you may think. 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?

Tuesday 27 October 2026: Dementia – Sensory Changes Part 1

It is important to learn the common signs of sensory changes for those with dementia and how this can affect their daily life. We will look at this over two sessions. In session one, we will consider how changes to vision, hearing and touch can have an impact on the way your loved one may experience the world.

Tuesday 24 November 2026: Dementia – Sensory Changes Part 2

It is important to learn the common signs of sensory changes for those with dementia and how this can affect their daily life. We are looking at this over two sessions. In this session, we will consider how changes to taste and smell, position sense, and balance can have an impact onthe way your loved one may experience the world.

December 2026

There will be no Care with Confidence sessions during the month of December.

You can download the programme leaflet from here.Β You may also be interested in other Care with Confidence sessions, which you can find here.

To book a place or for further information on any of the above, please contact your Training Co-ordinator:

👩Β  Carly Crooks – Working hours: Monday – Thursday
📱Β  07563391108
📧Β  carlycrooks@centralcarers.co.uk
invitation to Falkirk voice on 28th September

September Falkirk Carers’ Voice

Falkirk Carers, you’re invited!

Learn about support, share your experiences and have your say.Β 

We will welcome Clair Fair, Team Leader, NHS Forth Valley Keep Well Service, who will share information about the services and the support they provide, and also Kim Wylie, Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer, Falkirk Football Foundation, who will talk about the groups and support that they provide, not all of which are football-related!

Meeting details:
📅 Monday 28 September 2026
⏰Β From 10 am to 12 noon
📍 At the Carers Centre in Falkirk or via Zoom

Register for the event here by 1 pm on Thursday 24 September: https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/falkirk-carers-voice or get in touch with Sharlene Ramage, our Carer Participation Development Worker: sharleneramage@centralcarers.co.uk

⁉️ Did you know that you can read the previous meeting minutes on our website? Go to https://centralcarers.org/information/publications/

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
⏰Β From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or via Zoom

Register for the event here!Β 

⁉️ Β 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 haven’t attended any the previous ones, asΒ 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 carers’ 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,Β 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 β€œKing of the Lowlands” 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:

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

β€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 couldn’t help but feel my mood had improved greatly by the end.”

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.Β 

How does your business benefit?

Brand and marketing benefits

  • Improved public relations:Β 

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

  • Customer attraction:Β 

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

  • Brand storytelling:Β 

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

Employee and community benefits

  • Higher employee morale:Β 

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

  • Stronger community relations:Β 

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

What can you donate?

  1. Restaurants:

By donating, you’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 β€˜Carers Table’ 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-it-forward scheme.
  • Coffee for Carers Day once per month (free coffee for any carers accessing the cafΓ© on a specific day)
  1. Spas

Wellbeing starts with rest. Help us to support the hidden heroes, 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 β€˜Carer Wellness Day’ 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 β€˜carer chair’ – 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 β€˜carer family slot’
  • Run special carer days/events
  • Donate experiences (escape rooms, adventure parks, museums, zoos)

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

What you get in return from us:

Partner with us and we’ll spotlight your business that gives back to carers.

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