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:
• What has worked well for you?
• What challenges have you faced?
• What would you like professionals to better understand?

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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:
• Using computers, smartphones & tablets with confidence
• Staying safe online and protecting personal information
• Shopping online safely and finding good deals
• Managing appointments, reminders and calendars
• Ordering repeat prescriptions and accessing services
• Recognising scams, fraud and misleading information
• 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.

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Supporting Your Child in Hospital

Gain the knowledge, confidence, and tools to advocate for your child and work collaboratively with healthcare teams.

Join us for an informative and supportive session with Margaret Ruddy, Lecturer in Nursing and Allied Health, University of Stirling, exploring how parent carers can work in partnership with healthcare professionals when their child is hospitalised.

Whether your child is a newborn, school-aged child, or a teenager, this session will provide practical guidance to help you feel more confident and empowered during hospital stays and healthcare appointments.

Topics we’ll cover:
✅ Recognising your own expertise as a parent carer
✅ Working in partnership with healthcare professionals
✅ Advocating for yourself and your child
✅ Practical tips and considerations when your child is in hospital
✅ Understanding your role in decision-making and care planning

We also want to hear from you. There will be an opportunity to share your experiences and discuss:
• What has worked well for you?
• What challenges have you faced?
• What would you like professionals to better understand?
Your feedback will help shape future support and resources for parent carers.

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Building resilience through stress management and self-care

Gain valuable insights and learn effective techniques

We are delighted to welcome Gwenne McIntosh, Head of Health Sciences, NHS Lothian, who will share valuable insights into stress management and self-care. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from an experienced healthcare professional and leave feeling equipped with useful tools to help you look after yourself and manage life’s challenges more effectively.

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Recognising and Preventing Burnout

Join us for a practical session on spotting the signs of burnout, protecting your wellbeing, and sustaining your caring role.

Many carers experience burnout at some point, and recognising it early can make a real difference to your wellbeing and the support you provide. Join us at the Carers Centre for an informative and supportive session with Emma Butchard-MacDonald, Senior Principal Clinical Psychologist from NHS Forth Valley.

Emma will explore:
• How to recognise the signs of burnout in yourself
• How burnout can also affect the person you care for
• Practical tips and strategies to manage and prevent burnout
• Ways to look after your own emotional and mental wellbeing

This session is designed to help you feel more confident in spotting the early warning signs and give you tools to support both yourself and your caring role.

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