Respitality Donor Spotlight: Brucefield Estate

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Celebrating 3 Years of Support from Brucefield Estate!

For three incredible years, Brucefield Estate has been part of the Respitality initiative, donating 2-night stays to unpaid carers, allowing them to take a break from their caring role.

Their continued generosity makes a real difference, and we would like to express our gratitude by celebrating them on this very day, when they joined the initiative in 2022.

Who is Brucefield Estate?

Brucefield Estate is a luxury ecotourism destination located near Forestmill in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, about an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow. It offers Scandinavian-inspired eco-cabins set within a historic 1,000-acre woodland estate, blending modern comfort with heritage.

The estate is deeply committed to sustainability, operating under a 10-year ecological management plan that protects habitats for species like red squirrels, pine martens, and rare butterflies. Guests can enjoy artisan-crafted cabins, local food hampers, outdoor fireplaces, and guided nature experiences in a wildlife-rich environment.

How did carers benefit?

For carers, Brucefield wasn’t just a break; it was a moment of restoration – a chance to escape, relax, and recharge their batteries.  

Carers felt welcomed with warmth; the owner greeted them personally, showing them how to light the wood burner and leaving thoughtful touches like fresh eggs, homemade jam, and bread.

Carers found the estate a sanctuary, surrounded by nature, and the peace was almost surreal. They spent time walking along quiet paths, curling up with a book—a rare luxury—and simply soaking in the beauty of the scenery. The Schenbothy, with its cozy interior and comfortable bed, felt like a little home away from home.

Read the full case study here.

Are you a local business?

Learn more about Respitality and how you can get involved here.

Are you a carer?

To find out more, please contact our Short Breaks team on 01324 611510 (Option 1) or email shortbreaks@centralcarers.co.uk

Respitality Initiative

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Local businesses are making a difference in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

Support carers in your community by doing what you do best and reap the benefits.

What is Respitality?

Respitality is a Scottish Government supported social tourism initiative that creates opportunities for carers to take energising and short breaks from their caring role. While for many of us, making new memories is a natural part of life, without Respitality many carers may not be able to do so. They often don’t get the chance to take a break from their caring role.

As one of the approved delivery partners, we connect carers with local businesses who are willing to donate a break free of charge. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to practice social responsibility and give back to their communities. 

How does your business benefit?

Brand and marketing benefits

  • Improved public relations: 

Charitable donations will lead to positive media coverage, enhancing a company’s public image. 

  • Customer attraction: 

Some consumers favour businesses that donate to charity. Standing out from the competition may lead to potential new customer acquisition and increased sales. 

  • Brand storytelling: 

Donations provide companies with positive stories to share with customers, employees, and investors, giving you a powerful marketing tool. 

Employee and community benefits

  • Higher employee morale: 

Supporting charitable causes can increase employee pride, leading to higher morale, better retention, and a stronger sense of purpose. 

  • Stronger community relations: 

Supporting local charities builds a stronger, more resilient community, which can, in turn, benefit the business’s own long-term success. 

What can you donate?

  1. Restaurants:

By donating, you’re serving more than food. You will be serving appreciation to those who care for others every single day.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a meal out once per week/once per month for a carer and companion.
  • Create a ‘Carers Table’ special night once per month.
  • Community support for example matching donations/pay it forward for customers.

  1. Cafes:

Give carers some breathing space. Donate a cup of coffee, a cake, or a spot of lunch to someone who tirelessly cares for others.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a set number of free drinks/snacks per month.
  • Offer a pay-if-forward scheme.
  • Coffee for Carers Day once per month (free coffee for any carers accessing the café on a specific day)

  1. Spas

Well-being starts with rest. Help us to support the hidden heroes of unpaid carers in our communities.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a set number of vouchers (all booked by Centre staff) i.e. massages, facials, manicures, mini-treatments, spa access.
  • Host a ‘Carer Wellness Day’ with a taster session
  • Create care boxes with spa products/samples for those carers who cannot leave their cared-for person.

  1. Health & Beauty Providers:

Unpaid carers rarely get time for themselves. Your skills can give them back their confidence and provide a moment that is just for them.

Donation Suggestions:

  • Donate a free treatment slot once per month (haircut, nails, massage, etc.)
  • Create a ‘carer chair’ – one slot per week reserved for a free carer service
  • Offer at-home treatments for carers who cannot travel/leave the cared-for person
  • Provide small self-care kits

  1. Gyms:

Carers give their strength to others every day. Your gym can help them rebuild their own.

Donation Options:

  • Free day passes or week trials
  • Free memberships
  • Reserved spots in classes i.e. yoga, pilates, Zumba, etc.
  • 1:1 PT or wellness consults monthly
  • Online coaching or classes access
  • Challenge members to sponsor carer memberships through donations etc.
  • Host fitness events to raise awareness and funds for memberships etc.

  1. Leisure Activities

Carers give their families everything, but your business can give them the gift of time together.

Donation Options:

  • Donate family passes (cinema, bowling, play centres, trampoline parks)
  • Provide a monthly ‘carer family slot’
  • Run special carer days/events
  • Donate experiences (escape rooms, adventure parks, museums, zoos)

Your business is not on this list, but you’d like to give? Fantastic, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.

What you get in return from us:

Partner with us and we’ll spotlight your business that gives back to carers.

  • You’ll get tagged in our social media posts (Respitality join date celebration, case studies), thank you shoutouts for free PR etc.
  • You’ll be mentioned in local press releases
  • You’ll receive a certificate and decals to use to showcase your support.
  • You’ll be added to our ‘Wall of Thanks’ on our website

Join the movement today and make a carers day!

To find out more, please fill in this form now, and one of our team will be in touch: https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/respitality-business-eoi

 

PowerPoint slide showing Football Respitality break results for 2024/25

Falkirk FC and Falkirk Foundation extend FREE match ticket initiative for local carers

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Partnering with the Falkirk Foundation and Falkirk Football Club, we are proud to announce the continuation of the Tickets for Carers initiative for the 2025/26 Premiership season.

The partnership offers unpaid carers and their families the opportunity to access free tickets to Falkirk FC home matches delivered through our Respitality project.  As part of the experience, Falkirk Foundation & Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre also provide a complimentary hot drink and pie voucher alongside each ticket. 

Thanks to this initiative, local carers can take a well-earned break from their routine and enjoy time with family or friends.

Last season made a real difference to many carers’ lives and mental well-being. Therefore, we are extremely grateful to the Falkirk Foundation and the Falkirk Football Club for their continued support.  You can read their press release about the initiative here: https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/07/29/falkirk-fc-and-falkirk-foundation-extend-free-match-ticket-initiative-for-local-carers/

If you are an unpaid carer living in the Falkirk district or the Clackmannanshire area and would like to express your interest in these matches, or find out more about Respitality, then please get in touch with our Short Breaks Team.

 

Carers Centre Manager’s Report 2024/25

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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.

 

Stress Awareness Month – #LeadWithLove (April 2025)

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Tip#1: Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend!
 
Stress Awareness Month has returned with this year’s theme being #LeadWithLove, encouraging us to try to approach stressful situations, ourselves, and others with compassion, kindness, understanding and acceptance.
Choosing self-compassion can help you ease the challenging situation, and make a difference to how you feel and react in the moment.
You may find this difficult to do at the beginning, especially if you’re prone to being hard on yourself, but with a bit of practice, you may just find that this is a technique that works for you.
 
We don’t always get to take time for self-care, but we can find tiny moments amidst challenging times when we can pause and choose to be compassionate towards ourselves. Even a minute can make a big difference.
 
How to practice self-compassion:
  • Treat yourself with kindness. If this were a friend, what would you say to them?
  • Acknowledge your feelings without judgement. They show up for a reason. What is that feeling trying to tell you?
  • Don’t judge yourself. Mistakes are a natural part of our lives, especially when you are juggling multiple tasks. Mistakes are there to teach us. What can you do differently next time?
  • Remember you are not alone. We all go through tough times, and it’s okay to ask for help. Who could you contact?
  • Consider your needs. How can I help myself, what would make me feel better now?
We are all different, so not all techniques work for everyone. Should you give practicing self-compassion a try, please share your experience with us by emailing centre@centralcarers.co.uk or commenting on the Self-compassion Facebook, Instagram or X post. 
Find more tips on how to manage stress here: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/
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Tip#2: Self-help techniques – find what works for you!

Self-help techniques are great for reducing stress, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all approach. We are all unique, and just because something works for some people, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the right technique for you, too. Therefore, it’s important to experiment so you can find what you like and what helps you.

Some things you could try:

  1. Meditations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/support-now/wellbeing-apps/bright-sky/calm-amongst-chaos/
  2. Breathwork: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/
  3. Regular physical activity and being outside when possible. What do you enjoy?
  4. Hobbies if your time allows
  5. Practical things NHS recommends:
    • Splitting up big tasks into manageable chunks
    • Planning ahead whenever possible
  6. CBT self-help techniques for reducing stress: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/

Additionally, you may want to check out this guide produced by the Mental Health Foundation ‘How to manage and reduce stress, which contains tips on how to manage stress and protect your mental health.

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Tip#3 Talk to someone

When you are under a lot of stress, the struggle can be isolating and tiresome to the extent that reaching out to someone is the last thing you may feel like doing.

But even just a casual chat with friends and/or family, a friendly neighbour or a nice colleague, can make the difference to how you feel and help you cope better.

It may be that you don’t have trusted friends or family whom you could turn to, and it can feel like you are all alone. It’s completely natural to feel this way, especially under the demands of a caring role. But know this, you are not alone. Many helplines and charities are there to support you.

You can also get in touch with one of our Adult Carer Support Workers, who can refer you to our Telephone Support Team, who provide emotional support to carers.

We also have various carer groups you may be able to join. Check out our What’s on page or speak to one of the Adult Carer Support Workers in Falkirk or Clackmannanshire from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.30 am to 4 pm to find the right one for you.

  • Falkirk Adult Carer Support  on 01324 611510 (Option 4)
  • Clackmannanshire Adult Carer Support on 01324 611510 (Option 2)

Here are some FREE Helplines you may find helpful:

And here are some FREE social gatherings you may consider joining:

Falkirk area:

Clackmannanshire:

Check out these pages for some events happening near you and our What’s on page to find something you like:

Carer’s Digital Discovery Project

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Imagine how much difference it would make to your life if you not only had access to technological devices that can make caring easier, but someone showed you how to use them!

Would you be juggling fewer tasks and feeling less overwhelmed? How about worrying less about your loved ones because you will be able to stay connected? Would you even have more time to yourself to do the things you enjoy? We think so!

Our Carer’s Digital Discovery project is a new space within the Carers Centre that will support you by showcasing how technology can make things a bit easier and less stressful.

The project will provide you with hands-on experience using devices such as voice assistants, wearable alarms, and smart home tools to help with your everyday tasks, monitor those you care for, and stay connected.

You will receive support to set up and use these devices in your own home, improving independence and well-being for both yourself and those you care for.

Help us make a difference! Vote now Backhand index pointing right https://bit.ly/vote_for_fccarerscentre

📍Note
You must live in Ward 7 – South Falkirk, and submit your vote by 28 February! 
Map of Ward 7: https://bit.ly/ward7_southfalkirk_map
List of postcodes in Ward 7: https://bit.ly/4hWnNfO