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.Β 

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.Β 

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 environmentβ€”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, β€œIt was the first time I had complete silence and time just for meβ€”I underestimated how much I missed that.” Another shared, β€œI 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.Β 

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. Β 

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 bookβ€”a rare luxuryβ€”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

PowerPoint slide showing Football Respitality break results for 2024/25

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

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. Β As part of the experience, Falkirk Foundation & Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre also provide a complimentary hot drink and pie voucher alongside each ticket.Β 

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. Β 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

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.