invitation to safeguarding and neurodiversity session in the centre or on zoom

Safeguarding and Neurodiversity

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Join us for an informative and supportive session designed especially for parent carers.

We are delighted to welcome two speakers from Falkirk Council.

Gillian Campbell, Quality Improvement Officer – Safeguarding & Wellbeing, and Lyn McLafferty, Educational Psychologist – Children’s Services, will give:

  • an overview of supports available for families
  • guidance on children & neurodiversity
  • strategies for supporting positive mental health & coping with anxiety
  • an opportunity to ask questions

This session is a great chance to build understanding, gather practical tips, and feel more confident in supporting your own and your child’s well-being.

Details:

🙋For unpaid parent carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire
📅 Tuesday 21 April
⏰ From 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
📝 Register here by 6 pm on Sunday 19 April
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
invitation to a series of sessions related to the topic of mental health

Mental Health Sessions at the Centre

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Let’s focus on mental health this May!

Join us for a month of learning, well-being, and connection!

Throughout the month, we are offering a series of supportive, engaging sessions designed to help unpaid carers boost their well-being, build confidence, and connect with others. We warmly invite you to join us at any of the sessions below, and take some time for yourself to learn, reflect, and feel supported.

These sessions are open to unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and in Clackmannanshire, who are registered with the Carers Centre. To register with the Centre, please follow this link. Once you’ve completed the registration, come back to this page to sign up for the events using the relevant links below.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email Dayna Faulds, Training Co-ordinator: daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk

 

Monday 4 May

2 pm to 3 pm

 How Football Changed my Life: Brad McKay, former Falkirk FC Centre-Back

Join us for a conversation with Brad McKay in the Carers Centre. Brad has previously played for Falkirk FC (as well as Hearts, St Johnstone, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, to name a few). He will tell us about how football was his outlet and prevented him from going down the ‘wrong path’. He will also discuss the coaching he does now and how to get involved.

📍In person only at the Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, FK1 1NB

Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/jrsJh3cHhV
Thursday 7 May

12 noon to 2 pm

FDAMH: Mental Health Coping Mechanisms

Val McInroy, Head of Services at Falkirk and District’s Association for Mental Health (FDAMH) will discuss FDAMH’s services, as well as some mental health coping mechanisms and more.

  • Introduction to FDAMH – who they are, what they do, how they can support you.
  • Understanding Mental Health – recognising signs of anxiety and stress.
  • Practical Coping Strategies – simple tools you can use.
  • Q&A Time – ask questions, share experiences, and chat in a relaxed space.

📍 In person at the Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, FK1 1NB, or Zoom

Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/tcMKA3WdT8
Thursday 21 May

11 am to 12.30 pm

 Suicide Awareness & Prevention: Fiona Bartley

Fiona Bartley, Senior Health Improvement Officer from NHS Forth Valley is returning to deliver some crucial information regarding signs of suicide and suicide prevention. This session is designed to help carers learn practical ways to support not only the people they care for, but also peers and others in the community. You’ll gain confidence in recognising signs, starting conversations, and responding effectively.

📍In person only at the Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, FK1 1NB

Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/M2dSFGQJWS
Monday 27 May

12.30 to 2.30 pm

 ASN – Sensory & Communication Needs Overview

Alice Grant, Teacher & Trainer from Falkirk Council’s Children’s Services will be delivering an engaging overview on sensory & communication needs. Although Alice specialises in supporting children with additional support needs, the information is relevant for people of all ages, making this session ideal for any carer.

Alice will provide a practical, accessible overview of the following:

✅ Sensory Needs ✅ Distressed Behaviours ✅ Regulation & Stimming ✅ Model of Child Engagement

📍 In person at the Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, FK1 1NB, or Zoom
Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/6Vt7dkpQbq

 

invitation to a training session about financial well-being on 8th April from 12.30pm

Introduction to Financial Well-being

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Learn about strategies that can help improve your finances.

Join us as we welcome Rebecca Ketterer-Young, Senior Financial Well-being Officer, from Money Advice Scotland.

Rebecca will be hosting an interactive virtual financial well-being session. Time will be given for Q&A. This course examines the essential elements of financial well-being and explores the challenges and barriers that prevent many individuals from achieving it.

Topics include:

  • The lasting impact of the cost-of-living crisis
  • Digital Exclusion, poverty, and domestic abuse.
  • Practical strategies to overcome barriers and enhance financial well-being.

The session will provide you with valuable insights into the link between financial well-being and overall well-being.

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire who are registered with the Carers Centre. As an adult carer, you can register here.
📅 Wednesday 8 April
⏰ From 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm
📍 This session is fully remote and will take place on Zoom. If you are unable to access Zoom for any reason, you are welcome to join us in the Centre’s activities room, where you’ll be able to watch the training on our screen with other carers.
📝 Register here for the training by 6 pm on Monday 6 April
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
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 – March to April

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Our new programme has now been released!

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

Tuesday 31 March 2026: Dementia – Behaviours: Hints & Tips

Changes in behaviour can be one of the most difficult aspects of living with dementia. It’s important to see beyond the behaviour itself and think about what may be causing it. There may be specific reasons why the person with dementia is behaving differently. Come along to learn more about what you can do to help.

Tuesday 07 April 2026: Home Fire Safety

Find out if you are eligible for a Home Fire Safety Visit for people at the highest risk of experiencing a fire in the home. If yes, then the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service will provide:
• identification of potential fire risks in your home
• information about bedtime routines
• help to create a robust escape plan
• advice and testing of smoke alarms
Come along to find out more.

Tuesday 14 April 2026: Focus Group

We invite you to come along to look back over the subjects covered in the last 10 months and help us plan the future Care with Confidence programs for 2026. To thank you for your feedback, this session will be followed by a light lunch.

You can download the latest CwC programme leaflet from here and the Dementia one from here.

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

👩  Donna Mulder – Working hours: 21 hours per week (Monday – Wednesday)
📱  07824 381280
📧  donnamulder@centralcarers.co.uk

If you are a carer in Clackmannanshire, you are welcome to join these Falkirk sessions either over Zoom or, if you’d like to attend in person, travel may be provided. Please reach out to Donna for more information. 

invitation to drop in cafes providing help with transitions for parents and carers of children aged 14-25 with ASN from the Falkirk area

Drop-in Cafe: Help with Transitions

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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 Douglas, Transitions Coordinator for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), is hosting monthly ‘Drop-in Cafés’ 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.

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

Details:

📅 Thursday 2 April
🕒 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. 

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:

  • 7 May
  • 4 June
  • 16 July
  • 6 August
  • 17 September
  • 15 October
  • 12 November
  • 10 December
invitation to session on 25th March by NHS24 about their services, lady holding a phone

Take Some Breathing Space Information Session

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Learn about Breathing Space and other mental health services available to you.

Join us as we welcome Lisa-Jane Dock from NHS24.

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone line and webchat service for anyone aged 16+ in Scotland who is experiencing low mood, anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. It provides a safe and supportive listening service, information, and signposting to further help.

Lisa-Jane will provide a practical, accessible overview, she will:

  • Introduce the suite of mental health services provided at NHS 24
  • Explain the purpose of their phone and webchat services
  • Identify who can use the service, and when it may be of use
  • Provide insight into other mental health support services available to you

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire
📅 Wednesday 25 March
⏰ From 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
📝 Register here by 6 pm on Monday 23 March
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
invitation to autims and neurodiversity training on 24th march, showing a man and a child playing

Training: Autism and Neurodiversity Overview

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Join us as we welcome Richard Ibbotson from The Autism Network to the Centre.

With a long background in development and management of autism services, he has led teams to deliver successful supports across all ages, levels of needs and situations.

Aims of the training:

  • Increase understanding of autism and neurodiversity
  • Understand the impact of sensory experiences and differences
  • Challenge some common myths and misconceptions
  • Consider the language used around autism and neurodiversity
  • Understand the diagnosis and its impact
  • Learn about how a neurodiverse brain might work differently
  • Consider the ‘Autism advantage’
  • To use this learning to understand ‘complex needs’ and challenging behaviours
  • Consider access to future support, including advocacy

The emphasis throughout will be on practical understanding rather than prescriptive solutions, recognising that small changes can make meaningful differences.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire
📅 Tuesday 24 March
⏰ From 10.30 pm to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
📝 Register here by 11 pm on Sunday 22 March
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
invitation to training about understanding drug & alcohol use

Training: Understanding Drug and Alcohol use

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Transform Forth Valley will be joining us for an informative and supportive session.

It is designed for carers of someone affected by drug or alcohol use; whether currently or in the past. Those interested in learning more as a preventative approach are also welcome to join.

Norry and Steph from Transform Forth Valley will cover:

  • Understanding what addiction is
  • Identifying and talking about paraphernalia
  • How addiction really impacts the lives of individuals and families
  • Naloxone awareness

We will also discuss how to best support someone experiencing addiction, what services and supports are available locally (both within adult and children’s services) across Forth Valley.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire
📅 Wednesday 18 March
⏰ From 12.30 pm to 2 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
📝 Register here by 6 pm on Monday 16 March
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
Carer Essential session is on 4th March from 12.30 to 2 pm

March Carer Essentials

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Carer Essentials are back, and you are invited!

This session is designed to inform and empower unpaid carers in Falkirk & Clackmannanshire so that they can care with confidence.

You’ll learn about:

  • Your rights as an unpaid carer
  • What we do at the Centre and how we can help
  • What other local services and support are available
  • What an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) is and how you can benefit from it
You’ll also get to meet our teams and have the opportunity to ask your questions!

Ideal for those who:

  • are new to caring for a relative or friend
  • have registered with the Carers Centre in the last 6 months
  • or just would like a refresher of what we do and how we can help

Details:

📅 Wednesday 4 March
⏰ From 12.30 pm to 2 pm
📍 Carers Centre or Zoom
📝 Register here
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
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 – February to March

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Our new programme has now been released!

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

Tuesday 24 February 2026: Dementia – Shadowing & Sundowning

You may notice that the person you care for becomes more confused and/or agitated in the late afternoon and evening. This is known as “Sundowning”. Learn about the steps you can take to help reduce sundowning, for their benefit as well as your own. Shadowing is a form of behaviour in which a person with dementia follows their caregiver around. Find out how to manage this behaviour by gaining an understanding of why this occurs..

Tuesday 03 March 2026: Online Banking & Price Comparison Sites 

This beginner-friendly session will introduce online banking, including how to set it up and use common features like checking balances and making payments. You’ll also explore tools to help manage your money and learn how to navigate price comparison websites to find the best deals and support your financial wellbeing.

Tuesday 10 March 2026: A Guide to Insurance / Energy Bills and Support Available

In the first part of this session, we’ll look at how insurance works, what to look out for when buying insurance, and what happens when you need to make a claim. We’ll also cover some of the common mistakes we can make when purchasing insurance policies. We’ll also provide you with some tips to help you make confident choices about your coverage. After the break, we will discuss your energy bills, government support with this, maximising your income, and how to get advice if you are struggling

Tuesday 31 March 2026: Dementia Behaviour – Hints & Tips

Changes in behaviour can be one of the most difficult aspects of living with dementia. It’s important to see beyond the behaviour itself and think about what may be causing it. There may be specific reasons why the person with dementia is behaving differently. Come along to learn more about what you can do to help.

You can download the CwC programme leaflet from here and the Dementia one from here.

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

👩  Donna Mulder – Working hours: 21 hours per week (Monday – Wednesday)
📱  07824 381280
📧  donnamulder@centralcarers.co.uk

If you are a carer in Clackmannanshire, you are welcome to join these Falkirk sessions either over Zoom or, if you’d like to attend in person, travel may be provided. Please reach out to Donna for more information.