invitation to session to feel empowered at medical appointments

Navigating Healthcare

Feel more confident at medical appointments

Supporting carers to advocate, prepare and partner with healthcare professionals.

Join us for an informative and supportive session with Margaret Ruddy, Lecturer in Nursing and Allied Health at the University of Stirling, exploring how carers can work in partnership with healthcare professionals when the person they look after is admitted to hospital, or during other medical appointments. This session will provide practical guidance to help you feel more confident and empowered during hospital stays and appointments.

Topics covered:
– Preparing for a hospital admission
– Preparing for medical appointments
– Self-care
– Advocacy
– Raising complaints

Many carers have let us know that supporting someone with hospital admissions and appointments can, at times, feel frustrating. Margaret will provide an opportunity to share these experiences in a supportive setting and will share her experiences of how carers can best navigate the hospital setting.

We also want to hear from you. There will be an opportunity to share your experiences and discuss:
β€’ What has worked well for you?
β€’ What challenges have you faced?
β€’ What would you like professionals to better understand?

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Tuesday 1 September
⏰ From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or on Zoom
For more information or to register as a carer with the Carers Centre first, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.
invitation to a free digital skills course for adult carers

Free Digital Skills Course for Adult Carers

Get more from technology in everyday life

Gain confidence with digital tools, connect with others, and learn practical skills to help manage your commitments more easily.

We are delighted to welcome Neil McCarroll, Community Learning & Development Support Worker (Adult Learning) from Falkirk Council, who will deliver this practical 6-part training in a relaxed and supportive group setting.

The course will explore digital skills to help you stay connected, organised, informed and safe online. In a welcoming environment, you can develop the confidence to use technology safely and independently, and discover ways to make the most of your time, making it easier to balance all your commitments.

The programme is also a great opportunity to meet others, share experiences and discover useful digital tools at your own pace.

Topics may include:
β€’ Using computers, smartphones & tablets with confidence
β€’ Staying safe online and protecting personal information
β€’ Shopping online safely and finding good deals
β€’ Managing appointments, reminders and calendars
β€’ Ordering repeat prescriptions and accessing services
β€’ Recognising scams, fraud and misleading information
β€’ Using email, messaging and video calls to keep in touch

No previous experience is required; equipment will be provided, and support is available every step of the way.

You are welcome to come along to the first session to see if this programme is useful for you, and then decide if you wish to continue with the rest of the block. Please register on the link below.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Thursdays on the following dates: 3 September, 10 September, 17 September, 24 September, 1 October, 8 October
⏰ From 1 pm to 3 pm
📍 In person only at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street
For more information or to register as a carer with the Carers Centre first, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.
invitation to carers essentials in september

September Carer Essentials

Falkirk Carers, you’re invited!

This session is designed to inform and empower unpaid carers in Falkirk 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:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Wednesday 2 September
⏰ From 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre or Zoom
📝 Register here
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk
celebration Falkirk Foundation's donations to respitality

Respitality Donor Spotlight: Falkirk Foundation

Celebrating 4 Years of Support from Falkirk Foundation!

Falkirk Foundation have been supporting unpaid carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire to take a break for the past 4 years.

Through their generous donation of football tickets for home matches, they provided over 3000 tickets across 73 matches, allowing carers to take a break and enjoy some time out supporting their local team! These fantastic break opportunities make a huge difference – thank you for your support!

Who is Falkirk Foundation?

Falkirk Foundation is the official charity and community partner of Falkirk Football Club. Using the power of football, the charity helps people living in the Forth Valley area improve their quality of life. It delivers programmes that support mental health, physical wellbeing, education, employability, and community inclusion for people of all ages. The Foundation works with schools, community groups, and local partners to help people build confidence, develop skills, stay active, and reduce social isolation.

How did carers benefit?

β€œThank you, Falkirk Foundation, our community is lucky to have you”

Carers described the football matches as a valuable break from the pressures of their caring role, giving them the opportunity to relax, enjoy themselves, and focus on something positive. The experience provided quality time with family members, helping people reconnect and create shared memories together. Many reported improved wellbeing, feeling refreshed, uplifted, and better able to cope with their caring responsibilities afterwards. Attending the matches also reduced feelings of isolation by enabling carers to be part of a wider community experience.

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 session to gain practical tips for navigating hospital stays for your child

Parent Carers: Partnering with Healthcare Professionals

Supporting Your Child in Hospital

Gain the knowledge, confidence, and tools to advocate for your child and work collaboratively with healthcare teams.

Join us for an informative and supportive session with Margaret Ruddy, Lecturer in Nursing and Allied Health, University of Stirling, exploring how parent carers can work in partnership with healthcare professionals when their child is hospitalised.

Whether your child is a newborn, school-aged child, or a teenager, this session will provide practical guidance to help you feel more confident and empowered during hospital stays and healthcare appointments.

Topics we’ll cover:
✅ Recognising your own expertise as a parent carer
✅ Working in partnership with healthcare professionals
✅ Advocating for yourself and your child
✅ Practical tips and considerations when your child is in hospital
✅ Understanding your role in decision-making and care planning

We also want to hear from you. There will be an opportunity to share your experiences and discuss:
β€’ What has worked well for you?
β€’ What challenges have you faced?
β€’ What would you like professionals to better understand?
Your feedback will help shape future support and resources for parent carers.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Tuesday 1 September
⏰ From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
For more information or to register as a carer with the Carers Centre first, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.
invitation to a training session about stress management and self-care strategies

Managing Stress and Looking After Yourself

Building resilience through stress management and self-care

Gain valuable insights and learn effective techniques

We are delighted to welcome Gwenne McIntosh, Head of Health Sciences, NHS Lothian, who will share valuable insights into stress management and self-care. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from an experienced healthcare professional and leave feeling equipped with useful tools to help you look after yourself and manage life’s challenges more effectively.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Thursday 27 August
⏰ From 10.30 pm to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
For more information or to register as a carer with the Carers Centre first, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.
invitation to help with transitions drop in cafe taking place in May

August 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 Maguire (formerly known as Douglas), Transitions Coordinator for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), is hosting monthly ‘Drop-in CafΓ©s’ 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.Β 

✅ Ask questions about support available
✅ Learn how young people are supported in their transitions beyond school

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Thursday 6 August
🕒 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.Β 

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:

  • 17 September
  • 15 October
  • 12 November
  • 10 December
invitation to burnout session

Understanding and Managing Burnout

Recognising and Preventing Burnout

Join us for a practical session on spotting the signs of burnout, protecting your wellbeing, and sustaining your caring role.

Many carers experience burnout at some point, and recognising it early can make a real difference to your wellbeing and the support you provide. Join us at the Carers Centre for an informative and supportive session with Emma Butchard-MacDonald, Senior Principal Clinical Psychologist from NHS Forth Valley.

Emma will explore:
β€’ How to recognise the signs of burnout in yourself
β€’ How burnout can also affect the person you care for
β€’ Practical tips and strategies to manage and prevent burnout
β€’ Ways to look after your own emotional and mental wellbeing

This session is designed to help you feel more confident in spotting the early warning signs and give you tools to support both yourself and your caring role.

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Monday 17 August
⏰ From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or Zoom
For more information or to register as a carer with the Carers Centre first, please email 📧 daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk.
respitality logo

Respitality Initiative

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.Β 

How does your business benefit?

Brand and marketing benefits

  • Improved public relations:Β 

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

  • Customer attraction:Β 

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

  • Brand storytelling:Β 

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

Employee and community benefits

  • Higher employee morale:Β 

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

  • Stronger community relations:Β 

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

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 β€˜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 cafΓ© 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 β€˜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 β€˜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 β€˜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 β€˜Wall of Thanks’ on our website

Join 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

 

invitation to carer essentials session on 1st July

July Carer Essentials

Falkirk Carers, you’re invited!

This session is designed to inform and empower unpaid carers in Falkirk 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 1 July
⏰ From 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm
📍 Carers Centre or Zoom
📝 Register here
For more information or to enquire about future sessions, please email 📧daynafaulds@centralcarers.co.uk