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.
The survey will close on Sunday, 10 August, and they will share the results later in the year. As the survey is designed to deeply understand carers’ experiences, it is a longer survey. Therefore, it might take you about 30 minutes to complete.
This survey is the UK’s most comprehensive research into the lives and experiences of carers. It plays a vital role in shaping policy and improving support services by providing robust evidence to governments, local authorities, and health and social care providers.
Last year, over 12,500 carers shared their experiences. With new proposals and policy changes being announced by the UK Government, it is more important than ever that you have your say. Your voice is essential in driving change and ensuring that carers’ needs are recognised and addressed.
We very much appreciate you taking the time to complete it.
The survey can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QN5QWF7
Results from last year
Last year Carers UK were able to use carers’ responses to the survey to successfully:
In addition, the results from last year have been discussed on national TV shows, as well as local BBC radio, and in many national and local newspapers, raising the profile of unpaid caring.
We have 2 exciting opportunities to join our dedicated team of workers who deliver information, support, and involvement services for carers of all ages across the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire
Applications for these posts will close on Monday, 30 June 2025.
Find out more about these roles, and what skills and experience are required from the Job Profile document on our VACANCIES page. You can apply by filling in our Application Pack document, or you can use the link below to submit your application!
Only one more week to go until Carers Week 2025, which is a yearly campaign that aims:
The theme for Carers Week 2025, “Caring About Equality”, highlights the inequalities unpaid carers face due to their caring role, including but not limited to, they are at a greater risk of:
Each day of the week will explore different aspects of how inequality affects carers’ lives.
At Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre we believe that carers deserve to be recognised for the difficulties they face, respected for their efforts, informed about their rights and options, and supported to continue caring safely.
Our popular prize draw is back! We will be doing a draw each day from Monday 9 June to Friday 13 June. To show our support, prizes include vouchers from multiple local businesses. Please note you only need to enter your details once for all 5 days.
Enter the prize draw here:https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/cwpd
***Please note appointments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one appointment per carer.
***Please not this event is only for Clackmannanshire carers and spaces are limited which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
***Please note appointments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one appointment per carer.
Our Annual General Meeting is open to anyone, and no booking is required. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to join via Zoom. Please only get in touch by calling 01324 611510 or emailing centre@centralcarers.co.uk if:
***Please note, this event is only for Clackmannanshire carers, spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 29th AGM of Central Carers Association (CCA) will take place on Wednesday 11 June 2025 at 10.00 am, followed by a member’s lunch in the Carers Centre at 1a Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB. If you live in the Clackmannanshire area and need travel assistance, please contact the centre using the contact details below. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to join the AGM via Zoom.
CCA is the local voluntary organisation that support carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire and is the managing body of the Carers Centre. Full membership of CCA is open to all carers 18 years of age and over in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, and associate membership is open to young carers under the age of 18. By becoming a Member of CCA, you will be demonstrating your support for the work of the organisation and strengthening its voice as a body that represents carers. Full Members are also entitled to vote at the AGM. The current annual subscription fee is £5 for full or associate membership. If you would like to become a member, please contact us on 01324 611510 (option 1) or via email: centre@centralcarers.co.uk.
The Carers Centre will be closed from Friday 18 April 2025 to Monday 21 April 2025 (inclusive), re-opening on Tuesday 22 April 2025. Details of local support and emergency services are available below:
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:
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.
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:
The Carers Centre will be closed from 1pm on Tuesday 24th December 2024, and will re-open on Monday 6th January 2025! Details of local support and emergency services are available below:
Finally, the staff and Board of the Carers Centre wish carers a happy, healthy and safe festive season, and we look forward to continuing to offer support in 2025.
Thanks to funding from The Robertson Trust we have an exciting opportunity to join our Young Carers Project as a Young Adult Carer Support Worker.
Applications for this post will close Monday 21st October 2024.
you can find out more about this role and our Organisation at our VACANCIES page! Or if you would like to apply, click below!
The summer 2024 edition of the Carers Centre’s newsletter has now been sent out to all carers and organisations currently on our mailing list to receive information by post or email. If you haven’t received a copy of the newsletter, you can download the digital version by clicking below.
In this latest edition:
If you’ve missed this edition but would like to sign up to our e-mailing list to receive future newsletters, you can do so here.