carers week programme imagery with logo and carers week visuals containing houses, a person, nature signifying communities

Carers Week 2026

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Carers Week 2026 – the countdown has started!

Will you be joining us?

Carers Week is a yearly campaign that aims:

  • to raise awareness about caring and who unpaid carers are
  • to raise awareness of and recognise the challenges unpaid carers face
  • to acknowledge the immense contributions unpaid carers make to our society
  • and to celebrate the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities

The theme for Carers Week 2026, “Building Carer Friendly Communities”, highlights what an important role communities play in ensuring carers get the opportunities and support they need.

Carer friendly communitiesย 

  • recognise who unpaid carers are and the vital role they have in our society
  • understand the impact of caring and what it entails
  • take action to identify and support carers in different ways
  • empower carers to lead fulfilling lives

As a result, unpaid carers can have fairer support and opportunities, living a better life.ย 

Why we need carer friendly communities?

Unpaid carers often get overlooked, undervalued or are unsupported. Yet, they are the backbone of our communities facing challenges affecting many aspects of their life including but not limited to their physical or mental health, education, relationships, careers, to name a few. Carer friendly communities have the power to turn understanding into action and make support a daily constant in carers’ lives. Even the smallest contribution can make a great impact on carers’ lives.ย 

At Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre we believe that carers deserve to be recognised for the difficulties they face, respected for their efforts, informed about their rights and options, and supported to continue caring safely. Throughout the week, we will be raising awareness and encouraging communities to take practical and meaningful steps to create positive change.

We will also be celebrating carers with the below programme.ย 

Our Carers Week Programme:

5 Days of Carers Week Prize Draw

Our popular prize draw will be back! We will be doing a draw each day from Monday 8 June to Friday 12 June. To show our support, prizes include vouchers from multiple local businesses. Please note you only need to enter your details once for all 5 days.

Enter the prize draw here:https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/cwpd

Monday 8 Juneย 

Pamper Appointments

***Please note appointments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one appointment per carer.

Drop-in Session for Falkirk Carers

  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk
  • No booking requiredย 
  • Open to Falkirk carers

If you answer yes to these questions, this session is for you:
– Do you help to look after a partner, child, relative or friend who needs your help due to disability, illness, frailty or addiction?
– Do you live in the Falkirk district?
– Are you between the ages of 8 and 100?

👉 Why attend?
– learn about support available to you, and your rights
– have a casual chat with understanding people and get emotional support if needed
– find out more about benefits you may be eligible for
– free tea/coffee and biscuits
– ask your questions

🫶 You will feel more informed, involved and supported.

Tuesday 9 Juneย 

Guided Hill Walk with Falkirk Outdoorsย 

  • Time: all day
  • Location: to be confirmed with attendees
  • How to book: By invitation only* (feel free get in touch as we might still have some spaces left)

*Carers who have expressed an interest in Short Break Activities were invited along to try our community- themed activities If you would like to hear more about future short break activities on offer or join our cancellation list, please contact shortbreaks@centralcarers.co.uk. Please note carers must be physically fit and able to walk for 4 hours.ย 

Consultation with Social Security Scotland regarding Carer Benefits

Wednesday 10 Juneย 

Central Carers Association – Annual General Meeting

  • Time: From 10 am
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk

Our Annual General Meeting is open to anyone, and no booking is required. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to join via Zoom. Please only get in touch by callingย 01324 611510ย or emailingย centre@centralcarers.co.ukย if:

  • you require the Zoom link
  • live in Clackmannanshire and require transport to attend the meeting
  • would like to become a member of Central Carers Association, which is the local voluntary organisation and the managing body of the Carers Centre. Members can vote at the AGM.

Thursday 11 June

Health & Wellbeing Activity with Good Vibes Meditation Mental Health and Wellbeing Trust

  • Time: From 11 am to 12 noon
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk
  • Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/xidqdsP2Qq
  • Open to all Falkirk and Clackmannanshire carers

Clackmannanshire Carers Afternoon Tea for Clackmannanshire Carers

***Please note, this event is only for Clackmannanshire carers, spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost to carers is ยฃ5.ย 

Friday 12 June

Cold Water Dip with Sarah McBride, Cold Water Facilitator

  • Time: From 10.30 am to 1 pm
  • Location: to be confirmed with attendees
  • How to book: By invitation only* (feel free get in touch as we might still have some spaces left)

*Carers who have expressed an interest in Short Break Activities were invited along to try our community- themed activities. If you would like to hear more about future short break activities on offer or join our cancellation list, please contact shortbreaks@centralcarers.co.uk.ย Carers must be in good health and must complete and pass a health questionnaire before participating.

save the date 8-14 June this year's carers week with the theme building carer friendly communities

Carers Week 2026 – Save the date

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Carers Week 2026 is approaching fast!

Will you be joining us?

Carers Week is a yearly campaign that aims:

  • to raise awareness about caring and who unpaid carers are
  • to raise awareness of and recognise the challenges unpaid carers face
  • to acknowledge the immense contributions unpaid carers make to our society
  • and to celebrate the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities

The theme for Carers Week 2026, “Building Carer Friendly Communities”, highlights what an important role communities play in ensuring carers get the opportunities and support they need.

Why do we need carer friendly communities?

Unpaid carers often get overlooked, undervalued or are unsupported. Yet, they are the backbone of our communities facing challenges affecting many aspects of their life including but not limited to their physical or mental health, education, relationships, careers, to name a few. Carer friendly communities have the power to turn understanding into action and make support a daily constant in carers’ lives. Even the smallest contribution can make a great impact on carers’ lives.ย 

Carer friendly communitiesย 

  • recognise who unpaid carers are and the vital role they have in our society
  • understand the impact of caring and what it entails
  • take action to identify and support carers in different ways
  • empower carers to lead fulfilling lives

As a result, unpaid carers can have fairer support and opportunities, living a better life.ย 

At Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre we believe that carers deserve to be recognised for the difficulties they face, respected for their efforts, informed about their rights and options, and supported to continue caring safely. Throughout the week, we will be raising awareness and encouraging communities to take practical and meaningful steps to create positive change.

We will also be celebrating carers with our Carers Week Programme, which will be released very soon. Watch this space!ย 

photo of Sunday National article about Bami, a Falkirk carer who is also a Carer Representative

Falkirk Carer featuring in Sunday National

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How a carers centre changed my life forever

A mumโ€™s journey from struggle to supportโ€”and why carers must be recognised

Bamidele Bamgbopa shares her powerful personal story of caring for her son, from the early challenges of navigating health systems to finding vital support after moving to Scotland. In this honest and moving piece, she reflects on the realities many carers faceโ€”including isolation, stigma, and lack of awarenessโ€”and how connecting with the Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre became a turning point for her.

👉 Read the full story here to discover how support, understanding, and recognition can transform a carerโ€™s journey. The PDF can be zoomed in for easier reading.ย 

newspaper article snippet of carer representative and her family

Newspaper Feature with one of the Carer Representatives

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Unpaid carers and the sandwich generation

Featuring Amanda Winters,ย Integration Joint Board Depute and Carer Representative on the Authentic Voices Group of Falkirk HSCP.

This newspaper article highlights the experiences of unpaid carers in Scotland who are caring for both children and ageing parents at the same time, often referred to as the โ€œsandwich generationโ€.

The article describes the reality of juggling multiple caring responsibilities alongside family life, health pressures and, in many cases, employment. Amanda supports her children while also caring for both parents, managing hospital discharges, appointments and complex care needs, often without clear guidance or adequate support.

The article shows how caring roles often develop gradually and quietly, with responsibility shifting from services to families without formal recognition. Many carers describe having to โ€œfightโ€ to be heard, navigate complex systems alone, and make difficult financial and workโ€‘related decisions as a result of caring.

Drawing on national statistics and voices from across the sector, the article highlights how unpaid carers โ€” particularly women aged 50 to 64 โ€” are increasingly relied upon to hold families together, often at significant cost to their own health, well-being and financial security. While recent legislation promises improved rights for carers, the article makes clear that turning these rights into real, practical support remains a challenge, especially for those with multiple caring roles.

This feature shines a light on the vital contribution unpaid carers make every day, and the urgent need for better recognition, accessible support and meaningful respite.

You can read the full article here. The PDF can be zoomed in for easier reading.ย 

Carers Centre Manager’s Report 2024/25

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We are pleased to present our annual report, detailing the fantastic results the Carers Centre delivered during 2024/25, including some pictures and quotes showing the impact and value of our work.

We will continue to strive to work hard and support carers of all ages, ensuring that carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire are recognised, informed, supported, and given opportunities to be involved with changes that may impact them.

 

Carers Week 2025

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Only one more week to go until Carers Week 2025, which is a yearly campaign that aims:

  • to raise awareness about caring and who unpaid carers are
  • to raise awareness of and recognise the challenges unpaid carers face
  • to acknowledge the immense contributions unpaid carers make to our society
  • and to celebrate the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities

The theme for Carers Week 2025, “Caring About Equality”, highlights the inequalities unpaid carers face due to their caring role, including but not limited to, they are at a greater risk of:

  • poverty
  • social isolation
  • poor mental and physical health
  • missing out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives

Each day of the week will explore different aspects of how inequality affects carersโ€™ lives.

  • Monday: Health and social care
  • Tuesday: Financial wellbeing
  • Wednesday: Work and employment
  • Thursday: Younger carers
  • Friday: Older carers
  • Saturday: Mental health and wellbeing
  • Sunday: Reflections on Carers Week

At Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre we believe that carers deserve to be recognised for the difficulties they face, respected for their efforts, informed about their rights and options, and supported to continue caring safely.

Our Carers Week Programme:

5 Days of Carers Week Prize Draw

Our popular prize draw is back!ย We will be doing a draw each day from Monday 9 June to Friday 13 June.ย To show our support, prizes include vouchers from multiple local businesses. Please note you only need to enter your details once for all 5 days.

Enter the prize draw here:https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/cwpd

Monday 9 Juneย 

Pamper Day in the Centreย 

  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk
  • Available treatments: facials, massage, and manicure with gel or nail polish. When booking for manicure appointments, please state your preference.
  • How to book: Call 01324 611510

***Please note appointments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one appointment per carer.

Alva Carer Get-Togetherย 

***Please not this event is only for Clackmannanshire carers and spaces are limited which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuesday 10 Juneย 

Pamper Day in the Centreย 

  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk
  • Available treatments: facials, massage, and manicure with gel or nail polish. When booking for manicure appointments, please state your preference.
  • How to book: Call 01324 611510

***Please note appointments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one appointment per carer.

Wednesday 11 Juneย 

Central Carers Association Annual General Meeting

  • Time: From 10 am
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk

Our Annual General Meeting is open to anyone, and no booking is required. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to join via Zoom. Please only get in touch by callingย 01324 611510ย or emailingย centre@centralcarers.co.ukย if:

  • you require the Zoom link
  • live in Clackmannanshire and require transport to attend the meeting
  • would like to become a member of Central Carers Association, which is the local voluntary organisation and the managing body of the Carers Centre

Thursday 12 June

Clackmannanshire Afternoon Tea for Clackmannanshire Carers

***Please note, this event is only for Clackmannanshire carers, spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

CANCELLED: Better Breaks Family Outing March 2020

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PLEASE NOTE:

The Better Breaks Family Outing has now been postponed until further notice.

Applications are invited for a Better Breaks Outing for children and young people (up to 20 years) with additional support needs and their families across Falkirk District and Clackmannanshire to:

  • ‘Better Breaks Fun Day’ on Saturday 28 March 2020, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm

Transport will be available to those families who require it and would like to travel with the larger group. Families are also welcome to self-travel and attend independently.

To apply for a place on the trip, please complete the Better Breaks Application Form and submit as soon as possible. Application forms are available on request by calling Stella Siddiqย at the Centre in Falkirk on 01324 611510, emailing centre@centralcarers.org or by downloading the form below.

Better Breaks Application Form

Please complete the application form as soon as possible as the closing date is Friday 13 March 2020.

Places cannot be guaranteed and priority will be given to families who have not participated in, or who have participated in fewer, previous Better Breaks outings.

 

Care with Confidence

Care with Confidence Grangemouth Programme – February to March 2020

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The new Care with Confidence sessions in Grangemouth start on Thursday 6 February 2020, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, for five weeks at Talbot House, Talbot Street, Grangemouth, FK3 8HU.ย  All carers are welcome and there is no cost to attend sessions.

Come along to hear about the services that are available to support carers and those they care for. Topics include Communicating Effectively, Planning for the Future, and more!

For further information, to book a place, or if you require alternative care for the person you care for so that you can attend, please contact Susan Docherty at the Carers Centre or to view the programme, click below:

Programme

Better Breaks Family Outing February 2020

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Applications are invited for a Better Breaks Outing for children and young people (up to 20 years) with additional support needs and their families across Falkirk District and Clackmannanshire to:

  • INNOFLATE, Cumbernauld on Friday 14 February 2020, 1 pm to 3 pm
  • Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on Monday 17 February 2020, 11.30 am to 3 pm

Transport will be available to those families who require it and would like to travel with the larger group. Families are also welcome to self-travel and attend independently.

To apply for a place on the trip, please complete the Better Breaks Application Form and submit as soon as possible. Application forms are available on request by calling Stella Siddiq at the Centre in Falkirk on 01324 611510, emailing centre@centralcarers.org or by downloading the form below.

Better Breaks Application Form

Please complete the application form as soon as possible as the closing date is Friday 7 February 2020.

Places cannot be guaranteed and priority will be given to families who have not participated in, or who have participated in fewer, previous Better Breaks outings.

 

Better Breaks Family Outings Winter 2019

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Applications are invited for a Better Breaks Outing for children and young people (up to 20 years) with additional support needs and their families in Falkirk District and Clackmannanshire:

  • Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime (relaxed performance), Larbert Amateur Operatic Society, Dobbie Hall, Larbert, Monday 25 November 2019 at 7.30 pm
  • Rapunzel Pantomime, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Saturday 30 November 2019 at 2 pm
  • Rapunzel Pantomime, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Saturday 7 December 2019 at 2 pm (smaller group)

Transport to the venue will be made available to those families who require it and would like to travel with the group, families are also welcome to travel and attend independently.

Please note: this year in order to sustain these trips and in keeping with Better Breaks criteria a small contribution will be required at ยฃ5 per head towards admission for everyone attending any of the Macrobert pantomimes.

To request a place for the Pantomime trips, please complete the Better Breaks Application Form available from the Admin Team at the Carers Centre: phone 01324 611510, pop into the centre, email to request a form using our contact form, or download an application form here:

Better Breaks Application Form

The deadline for receipt of completed applications for this outing is Monday 18 November at 5pm.

Places cannot be guaranteed and priority will be given to families who have not participated in, or who have participated in fewer, previous Better Breaks outings.