snippet of summer newsletter

Summer Newsletter

Our Summer Newsletter has arrived!

Supporting, Celebrating and Connecting Carers

In this edition:

Young Carers Action Dayย 
Carers Week
Updates from the last few months
Upcoming events and training opportunities
Carers Week Prize Draw

 

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

Carers Week 2026

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.

Invitation to annual general meeting with photos from last year

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM)

You’re invited!

Come along to discover the impact we made last year and learn about our future plans.

The 30th AGM of Central Carers Association (CCA) will take place on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 10.00 am, followed by a members-only lunch in the Carers Centre at 1a Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB.

The AGM is open to all.

If you live in the Clackmannanshire area and need travel assistance, please contact the Centre using the contact details below. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to join the AGM via Zoom. (Email for the link.)ย ย 

CCA is the local voluntary organisation that support carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire and is the managing body of the Carers Centre. Full membership of CCA is open to all carers 18 years of age and over in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, and associate membership is open to young carers under the age of 18. By becoming a Member of CCA, you will be demonstrating your support for the work of the organisation and strengthening its voice as a body that represents carers. Full Members are also entitled to vote at the AGM. The current annual subscription fee is ยฃ5 for full or associate membership.ย  If you would like to become a member, please contact us on 01324 611510 (option 1) or via email: centre@centralcarers.co.uk.ย 

Meeting Details:ย 

  • 📅 Wednesday 10 June
  • ⏰ From 10.00 am
  • 📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or email us for the Zoom link

Contact Details:

  • 📧 centre@centralcarers.co.uk
  • ☎️ 01324 611510

 

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

Carers Week 2026 – Save the date

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 

Easter Bank holiday closure and local emergency services details

Easter Weekend and Support Services

The Carers Centre will be closed from Friday 3 April 2026ย to Monday 6 April 2026 (inclusive), re-opening on Tuesday 7 April 2026.ย  Details of local support and emergency services are available below:

  • If you need an urgent Social Work service outwith normal office hours, you can contact:
    • Clackmannanshire Emergency Social Work on 01786 470500
    • Falkirk Emergency Social Work onย 01786 470500
  • For information about local health services which are available, such as GPs and Pharmacies, please visit NHS Forth Valley – Know Who To Turn To When You Are Ill.
  • There is a Minor Injuries Unit for anyone living in NHS Forth Valley. Contact NHS 24ย onย 111, day or night before attending the Minor Injuries Unit, or visit Minor Injuries Unit.
  • For an A-Z of health services, you can go to NHS Forth Valley – Local Services Finder.
Christmas-themed image showing closure times

Festive Opening Hours and Support Services

Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. The Carers Centre in Falkirk will close on Tuesday 23 December; however, our phone lines will remain open on Wednesday 24 December. Details of local support and emergency services are available below:

  • If you need an urgent Social Work service outwith normal office hours, you can contact:
    • Clackmannanshire Emergency Social Work on 01786 470500
    • Falkirk Emergency Social Work onย 01786 470500
  • For information about local health services which are available, such as GPs and Pharmacies, please visit NHS Forth Valley – Know Who To Turn To When You Are Ill.
  • There is a Minor Injuries Unit for anyone living in NHS Forth Valley. Contact NHS 24ย onย 111, day or night, before attending the Minor Injuries Unit, or visit Minor Injuries Unit.
  • For an A-Z of health services, you can go to NHS Forth Valley – Local Services Finder.
  • Our friends at CVS Falkirk have also put together a Wellness in Winter page on their website with lots of useful information and links – CVS Falkirk – Wellness in Winter 2025/26
  • Whatever youโ€™re going through,ย Samaritanโ€™sย will face it with you! Theyโ€™re there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year โ€“ call forย FREEย onย 116123.

Finally, the staff and Board of the Carers Centre wish carers a peaceful, healthy and safe festive season, and we look forward to continuing to offer support in 2026.

Carers Centre Manager’s Report 2024/25

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

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.

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The 29th AGM of Central Carers Association (CCA) will take place on Wednesday 11 June 2025 at 10.00 am, followed by a memberโ€™s lunch in the Carers Centre at 1a Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB. If you live in the Clackmannanshire area and need travel assistance, please contact the centre using the contact details below. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to join the AGM via Zoom.ย  ย 

CCA is the local voluntary organisation that support carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire and is the managing body of the Carers Centre. Full membership of CCA is open to all carers 18 years of age and over in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, and associate membership is open to young carers under the age of 18. By becoming a Member of CCA, you will be demonstrating your support for the work of the organisation and strengthening its voice as a body that represents carers. Full Members are also entitled to vote at the AGM. The current annual subscription fee is ยฃ5 for full or associate membership.ย  If you would like to become a member, please contact us on 01324 611510 (option 1) or via email: centre@centralcarers.co.uk.ย