invitation to training about suicide and prevention

Training: Suicide Awareness and Prevention

An informative session on suicide awareness 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. 

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire, who are registered with the Carers Centre. 
📅 Thursday 21 May
⏰ From 11.00 am to 12.30 pm
📍 In person only at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street
📝 Register here by 5 pm on Tuesday 19 May
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.
dementia programme header showing an older lady with her daughter and giving information about the sessions (last Tuesdays of the month from 10.30 am for Falkirk and Clackmannanshire carers)

Dementia Information Sessions – April to June

Our new Dementia programme is out!

Come along to learn about topics that can help you care for someone with dementia.

Tuesday 28 April 2026: Dementia – Brain Health

Come along to find out about the research called OMNI “Oral Microbiome & Nitrates” for Brain Health, which is being used to try and help improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease. We will look at Nitric Oxide, which is a molecule in our bodies that helps keep our cardiovascular system healthy, and the oral microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms – mostly bacteria- living in the mouth. Come along to find out more about these topics and what the science says you can do to improve them.

Tuesday 26 May 2026: Dementia – Sundowning & Shadowing

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 30 June 2026: Dementia & Friends

Whether it is visiting others with the person you care for, or friends visiting you and your loved one at home, there are many things to consider in making these visits more pleasant and relaxed. Join us for this informative session, where you will gain a better understanding of this condition and increase your confidence about visiting or receiving visitors when caring for someone with dementia.

You can download the programme leaflet from hereYou may also be interested in other Care with Confidence sessions, which you can find 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. 
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 – April to May

Our new programme has now been released!

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

Tuesday 28 April 2026: Dementia – Brain Health

Come along to find out about the research called OMNI “Oral Microbiome & Nitrates” for Brain Health, which is being used to try and help improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease. We will look at Nitric Oxide, which is a molecule in our bodies that helps keep our cardiovascular system healthy, and the oral microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms – mostly bacteria- living in the mouth. Come along to find out more about these topics and what the science says you can do to improve them.

Tuesday 05 May 2026: Forth Valley – Sensory Loss Advice Service

We will welcome the team from the Forth Valley Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Sensory Loss Advice Service (SLAS). SLAS is an innovative approach that extends and increases CAB’s ability to inclusively support people with sensory loss across Forth Valley. They help people with sensory difficulties access advice, information, support and representation in relation to benefits, debt, employment, consumer issues, energy, and housing issues. Come along to find out more.

Tuesday 12 May 2026: Canine Partners

Ever wondered how a playful puppy becomes a life-changing assistance dog? Learn how Canine Partners train and carefully match their dogs with disabled people. Learn about the specialist skills these assistance dogs develop, their partnership journey, and the lifelong support provided to ensure each partnership thrives. Come along to find out more.

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 mental health session about coping strategies and support by FDAMH

Mental Health: Coping Strategies

Mental Health Awareness Session with FDAMH

Learning about support, coping strategies and mental well‑being.

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

What to expect:

  • 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 – effective tools you can use day-to-day
  • Q&A Time – ask questions, share experiences, and chat in a safe space.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire, who are registered with the Carers Centre. 
📅 Thursday 7 May
⏰ From 12 noon to 2 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
📝 Register here by 6 pm on Tuesday 5 May
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
invitation to a talk with Brad McKay, former Falkirk FC player, in the Centre,

Brad McKay: How football changed my life

An inspirational story you can’t miss!

We are pleased to welcome Brad McKay, a former Falkirk FC player, to the Centre.

Join us for a conversation with Brad McKay, who 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.
This is an in-person session only.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire, who are registered with the Carers Centre. 
📅 Monday 4 May
⏰ From 2 pm to 3 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street – in person only
📝 Register here
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
Invitation to dementia presentation about sensory changes.

Dementia – Sensory Changes Presentation

Join this engaging and informative presentation exploring how our senses can change with age.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about sensory changes in later life, gain practical tips, and ask questions in a supportive environment.

The session will look at how changes in sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell can affect day-to-day life, well-being and independence. The presentation will also include practical advice and solutions to help carers support those experiencing sensory changes, as well as an opportunity to experience activities that demonstrate how these changes may impact everyday tasks. There will also be a discussion around mobility and supportive strategies that can help improve safety and confidence.

The session will be delivered by an experienced team:
• Yvonne Cairns, Nurse Consultant in Dementia and Delirium
• Emma Douglas, Team Lead for Community Older Adult Mental Health
• Lisa Wilson, AHP Falls Lead

Please register by 10 am on Tuesday 12 May; however, if you require a translator, please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance.

Details:
📅 Thursday 14 May 2025
⏰ From 10 am to 12 noon
📍 In person at the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre
invitation to help with transitions drop in cafe taking place in May

May Drop-in Cafe: Help with Transitions

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 7 May
🕒 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:

  • 4 June
  • 16 July
  • 6 August
  • 17 September
  • 15 October
  • 12 November
  • 10 December
invitation to consultation with the University of Stirling

Consultation with University of Stirling

Falkirk Carers, you’re invited! 

Join us to share your views and experiences to help shape future support.

Joanne McNaughton, Nursing Programme Director of the University of Stirling, will be joining us. Joanne is looking to hear your views and experiences, and most importantly, what you feel is crucial for our future nursing staff to be mindful of when they meet carers in the hospital wards.

Please register by 10 am on Tuesday 5 May; however, if you require a translator, please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance.

Details:
📅 Thursday 7 May 2026
⏰ From 10 am to 12 noon
📍 In person at the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre or on Zoom
invitation to information session for those working in the Falkirk district

Information Session for Professionals

Falkirk Professionals, you’re invited!

Come along to network and learn about what we do and how you can help unpaid carers!

If you know any other professionals who work with carers, please let them know about this opportunity. This session will give professionals an overview of what we do at the Carers Centre and how we can work together to support the carers they work with.

✅ Learn how we support unpaid carers
✅ Meet our teams and learn what they all do
✅ Connect with other professionals
✅ Gain practical insights into the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements, the hospital discharge process involving the carer, and more!
Let’s work together to support carers in our community!

📅 Thursday 30 April
⏰ From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or via Zoom

Register for the event here! 

⁉️  Alternatively, if you can’t make this one and you’d like to be informed about upcoming sessions via emails, please register your interest here.

invitation to carers essentials session on 6th May

May Carer Essentials

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 6 May
⏰ 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