invitation to session on 25th March by NHS24 about their services, lady holding a phone

Take Some Breathing Space Information Session

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

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

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

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
self-advocacy session in the centre for unpaid carers living in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire A diverse group of carers standing together. Carers Scotland logo

Having a Voice – Carer Advocacy

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:

📅 Thursday 19 February
⏰ From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre
📝 Register here by 11 pm on Sunday 15 February
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
Invitation to training about suicide and suicide prevention on thursday 12 february

Training: Suicide Prevention – Ask, Tell, Respond

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. 

Details:

📅 Thursday 12 February
⏰ From 11.00 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre
📝 Register here by 11 pm on Sunday 8 February
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
invitation to carer essentials session on wednesday 4 february from 2 to 3.30 pm

February 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:

  • 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 February
⏰ From 2 pm to 3.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre or Zoom
📝 Register here
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
celebratory image with one of our staff handing over the respitality certificate to Reset float centre

Respitality Donor Spotlight: Res(e)t Float Centre

Celebrating 2 Years of Support from Res(e)t Float Centre!

Res(e)t Float Centre in Grangemouth has been part of the Respitality initiative for 2 fantastic years, donating free float therapy sessions to unpaid carers, allowing them to take a break from their caring role.

Their continued support 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 2024.

Who is Res(e)t Float Centre?

Res(e)t Float Centre in Grangemouth is a specialist float therapy centre dedicated to helping people find deep relaxation and mental clarity through float therapy. Founded by Donna and Susan in 2021, the centre offers state-of-the-art sensory deprivation pods designed to reduce stress, provide pain relief, and improve overall well-being.

The centre is known to offer a calm, clean, and welcoming environment—praised by visitors for being spotless, soothing, and supported by friendly, expert staff. Guests can escape the noise of everyday life and experience true tranquillity.

How did carers benefit?

Carers who visited Res(e)t Float Centre through Respitality described their experience as deeply relaxing and transformative.

Many arrived feeling stressed and exhausted, but left feeling recharged, pampered, and at peace. One carer said, “It was the first time I had complete silence and time just for me—I underestimated how much I missed that.” Another shared, “I felt like the bad day had dissolved; everything felt lighter.”

These moments of calm and solitude are priceless for those who give so much of themselves every day. 

Read the full case study here.

Are you a local business?

Learn more about the Respitality initiative 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

invitation to transitions overview session for parents and carers of children with ASN

Transitions Overview by FHSCP

Parents and unpaid carers of young people with additional support needs, this session is for you!

Join us if the child you care for is approaching or going through transitions.

Fiona Douglas, Transitions Coordinator for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), is coming to the Carers Centre to provide a Transitions Overview for parents and unpaid carers. Fiona supports primarily children with autism who struggle with changes, helping them come to terms with transitioning from primary school to high school, or from high school to work. She also helps parents and carers transition from children to adult services.

Join to:

✅ Learn about the transition process from children to adult services
✅ Understand available support and resources
✅ Ask questions and share experiences

Details:

📅 Tuesday 27 January
🕒 From 3 pm to 4 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB
❗Book your place here!If you cannot attend this session, there’s an option on the form to register for a waiting list.

Celebratory image about Brucefield Estate being a Respitality Donor

Respitality Donor Spotlight: Brucefield Estate

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