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

 

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.

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

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.

A self-advocacy session by Carers Scotland

Unpaid carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, this session is not to be missed!

This self-advocacy course for carers looks briefly into carers’ rights before exploring effective ways to communicate, prepare, and get the most out of interactions with services and organisations. There’s a chance for carers to ask questions and share experiences throughout.

Spaces are limited, so please make sure to register your interest as soon as possible. The registration form will close at 11 pm on Sunday 15 February.

Details:

An informative session on suicide and suicide prevention.

Join us to learn practical ways to support others. 

This session, led by Fiona Bartley, Senior Health Improvement Officer from NHS Forth Valley, 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.

The training is open to unpaid carers residing in the Falkirk district and in Clackmannanshire.