carers week programme imagery with logo and carers week visuals containing houses, a person, nature signifying communities

Carers Week 2026

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Carers Week 2026 – the countdown has started!

Will you be joining us?

Carers Week is a yearly campaign that aims:

  • to raise awareness about caring and who unpaid carers are
  • to raise awareness of and recognise the challenges unpaid carers face
  • to acknowledge the immense contributions unpaid carers make to our society
  • and to celebrate the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities

The theme for Carers Week 2026, “Building Carer Friendly Communities”, highlights what an important role communities play in ensuring carers get the opportunities and support they need.

Carer friendly communities 

  • recognise who unpaid carers are and the vital role they have in our society
  • understand the impact of caring and what it entails
  • take action to identify and support carers in different ways
  • empower carers to lead fulfilling lives

As a result, unpaid carers can have fairer support and opportunities, living a better life. 

Why we need carer friendly communities?

Unpaid carers often get overlooked, undervalued or are unsupported. Yet, they are the backbone of our communities facing challenges affecting many aspects of their life including but not limited to their physical or mental health, education, relationships, careers, to name a few. Carer friendly communities have the power to turn understanding into action and make support a daily constant in carers’ lives. Even the smallest contribution can make a great impact on 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. Throughout the week, we will be raising awareness and encouraging communities to take practical and meaningful steps to create positive change.

We will also be celebrating carers with the below programme. 

Our Carers Week Programme:

5 Days of Carers Week Prize Draw

Our popular prize draw will be back! We will be doing a draw each day from Monday 8 June to Friday 12 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

Monday 8 June 

Pamper Appointments

***Please note appointments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one appointment per carer.

Drop-in Session for Falkirk Carers

  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk
  • No booking required 
  • Open to Falkirk carers

If you answer yes to these questions, this session is for you:
– Do you help to look after a partner, child, relative or friend who needs your help due to disability, illness, frailty or addiction?
– Do you live in the Falkirk district?
– Are you between the ages of 8 and 100?

👉 Why attend?
– learn about support available to you, and your rights
– have a casual chat with understanding people and get emotional support if needed
– find out more about benefits you may be eligible for
– free tea/coffee and biscuits
– ask your questions

🫶 You will feel more informed, involved and supported.

Tuesday 9 June 

Guided Hill Walk with Falkirk Outdoors 

  • Time: all day
  • Location: to be confirmed with attendees
  • How to book: By invitation only* (feel free get in touch as we might still have some spaces left)

*Carers who have expressed an interest in Short Break Activities were invited along to try our community- themed activities If you would like to hear more about future short break activities on offer or join our cancellation list, please contact shortbreaks@centralcarers.co.uk. Please note carers must be physically fit and able to walk for 4 hours. 

Consultation with Social Security Scotland regarding Carer Benefits

Wednesday 10 June 

Central Carers Association – Annual General Meeting

  • Time: From 10 am
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk

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:

  • you require the Zoom link
  • live in Clackmannanshire and require transport to attend the meeting
  • would like to become a member of Central Carers Association, which is the local voluntary organisation and the managing body of the Carers Centre. Members can vote at the AGM.

Thursday 11 June

Health & Wellbeing Activity with Good Vibes Meditation Mental Health and Wellbeing Trust

  • Time: From 11 am to 12 noon
  • Location: at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk
  • Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/xidqdsP2Qq
  • Open to all Falkirk and Clackmannanshire carers

Clackmannanshire Carers Afternoon Tea for Clackmannanshire Carers

***Please note, this event is only for Clackmannanshire carers, spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost to carers is £5. 

Friday 12 June

Cold Water Dip with Sarah McBride, Cold Water Facilitator

  • Time: From 10.30 am to 1 pm
  • Location: to be confirmed with attendees
  • How to book: By invitation only* (feel free get in touch as we might still have some spaces left)

*Carers who have expressed an interest in Short Break Activities were invited along to try our community- themed activities. If you would like to hear more about future short break activities on offer or join our cancellation list, please contact shortbreaks@centralcarers.co.uk. Carers must be in good health and must complete and pass a health questionnaire before participating.

an image of the carer representatives and invitation to read the article about them and their updates

Updates from your Carer Representatives

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Falkirk Carer Representatives

Introduction

A massive thank you to all Carer Representatives who have completed the Carer Representative Training and sit on various Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (FHSCP) groups or are involved with alternative Carer Representation roles!  Their time and commitment to helping others are highly appreciated!

The Carer Representatives regularly engage with carers via carer groups and local forums to gather views and information to understand issues affecting carers. This ensures their input reflects carers’ views, not only personal experience.

When participating in meetings, Carer Representatives contribute to discussions and provide advice and scrutiny from a Carer’s perspective. Where possible, they may add relevant items to meeting agendas and are prepared to raise relevant points and ask questions.  If you’d like to share your experiences, please contact Sharlene, who will ensure the relevant Carer Representative shares your views on your behalf.

Carer Representation

Integration Joint Board (IJB):

  • Sharon Mwale (IJB Carer Representative)
  • Amanda Winters (IJB Depute Carer Representative)

Carers Strategy Group:

  • Dana Horsburgh
  • Ruth Forrester (currently on leave)

Dementia Strategy Group:

  • John Giovanacci
  • Aprilanne Ferguson (currently on leave)

Digital Health and Care Programme Board:

  • Danny McLean

Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP Lived Experience Panel) / Authentic Voices Group:

  • Mandy Winters

Representation on other local groups:

  • Bamidele Bamgbopa (Central Locality Steering Group).

Updates

  • Integration Joint Board – A milestone

We’re pleased to share a major milestone: lived-experience representatives will finally have an equal voice by having full voting rights from 1 September 2026 on the IJB Boards, which means IJB Carer Representative, Sharon Mwale, and the Depute, Amanda Winters, will have voting rights, as well.

  • NHS Annual Review

Carer Representatives Mandy Winters and John Giovanacci were invited to the closed session of the NHS annual review, where they raised carers’ experiences of hospital discharge and spoke about the need for suitable supports for dementia care due to an aging population, with dementia figures set to rise. As a result of the meeting, we held a consultation in the Centre with NHS Chief Executive Ross McGuffie and Karen Goudie, Executive Nurse Director. Notes from the meeting can be found here.

  • Carers Strategy

Dana has been meeting regularly with Jennifer Faichney, Policy and Research Officer, from the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (FHSCP) during the development of the new Carer Strategy.  Meetings will continue as the strategy is still being developed. We hope to bring you specific updates soon.

  • Dementia

As a result of John regularly attending the Dementia Strategy Group, we have regular consultations, held in the Centre, with Yvonne Cairns (Dementia and Delirium Lead NHS Forth Valley) and Emma Douglas (Community Mental Health Team Lead for Older Adults NHS Forth Valley). These sessions are an opportunity for carers to learn new information and share their experiences of NHS services relating to dementia. You can find out more about the sessions by emailing Sharlene Ramage, Carer Participation Development Worker – sharleneramage@centralcarers.co.uk. Minutes of previous meetings can be found on our Publications page, under Falkirk Consultations: https://centralcarers.org/information/publications/

  • Other updates

      • Sharon has reached out to Carrongrange High School to raise awareness and support more parent carers to share their views. As a result of this, we have started conversations with professionals and held consultations in the Centre. You can read the minutes from the consultation with the Children with Disabilities Social Work Team here.
      • Danny has been involved with some outreach work, visiting local workplaces to support staff to be Carer Aware.
      • Bamidele has recently joined as Carer Representative on the Central Locality Planning group. She is taking carers’ views from the Falkirk Carers’ Voice and other community groups to the Central Locality Planning. More updates to follow how this will impact services.
      • Bamidele has also been to the University of Stirling to meet with medical students. As a result of her work, in May, we held a consultation in the Centre with Joanne McNaughton, Nursing Programme Director of the University of Stirling, who sought carers’ views and experiences to help integrate these into the education of future nursing staff. Minutes of this meeting can be found here.
      • Mandy featured in the Sunday Post, highlighting the experiences of unpaid carers in Scotland who are caring for both children and ageing parents at the same time, often referred to as the “sandwich generation”. The article describes the reality of juggling multiple caring responsibilities alongside family life, health pressures, and in many cases, employment. Read it here.
      • Bamidele shared her powerful personal story in the Sunday National newspaper about caring for her son, from the early challenges of navigating health systems to finding vital support after moving to Scotland. In this honest and moving piece, she reflects on the realities many carers face—including isolation, stigma, and lack of awareness—and how connecting with the Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre became a turning point for her. Read the full article here. 
Invitation to annual general meeting with photos from last year

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM)

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You’re invited!

Come along to discover the impact we made last year and learn about our future plans.

The 30th AGM of Central Carers Association (CCA) will take place on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 10.00 am, followed by a members-only lunch in the Carers Centre at 1a Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB.

The AGM is open to all.

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. (Email for the link.)  

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. 

Meeting Details: 

  • 📅 Wednesday 10 June
  • ⏰ From 10.00 am
  • 📍 Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street or email us for the Zoom link

Contact Details:

  • 📧 centre@centralcarers.co.uk
  • ☎️ 01324 611510

 

invitation to literacy support training in the Centre

Training: Literacy Support

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Want a bit of help with reading and writing?

Work at your own pace in a relaxed and supportive space.

Join this friendly group designed for adults who want to build confidence with reading, writing and everyday tasks like filling in forms, letters, emails and job applications. The group can also help you work towards Qualifications Scotland units and Adult Achievement Awards, to make sure you are recognised for your learning. 

You don’t need any qualifications to join – just come  along and give it a try. This session will be delivered by Gary McKinstry, Community Learning and Development Support Worker from Learning & Employability (Community Learning & Development ETU). 

Details:

🙋For unpaid carers in the Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire, who are registered with the Carers Centre
📅 Friday 5 June
⏰ From 11 am to 1 pm
📍 In person only at the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street 
📝 Register here

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.

invitation to meeting about carer benefits by Social Security Scotland and the recent changes to these benefits

Social Security Scotland: Carer Benefits

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Changes to Carer Benefits in Scotland

Join to learn about carer benefits, eligibility criteria, and recent changes that may impact you.

Are you aware that the Scottish Government has introduced some changes to carer benefits with the aim of ensuring better support for those eligible?

We would like to invite you to a meeting with Social Security Scotland, the Executive Agency of the Scottish Government responsible for managing the benefits devolved to Scotland.

We will welcome Claire Lister, Partnership and Events Manager from Social Security Scotland, on Tuesday 9 June from 10 am to 12 noon. As part of Carers Week, the meeting will take place in the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, however, if you cannot attend in person, you are welcome to join via Zoom.

Join us to learn more about these recent changes, the benefits Social Security Scotland deliver as well as the eligibility criteria. There will be an opportunity to ask your questions.

Please register by 1 pm on Friday 5 June; however, if you require a translator, please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance.

Details:
📅 Tuesday 9 June 2026
⏰ From 10 am to 12 noon
📍 In person at the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre or on Zoom
save the date 8-14 June this year's carers week with the theme building carer friendly communities

Carers Week 2026 – Save the date

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Carers Week 2026 is approaching fast!

Will you be joining us?

Carers Week is a yearly campaign that aims:

  • to raise awareness about caring and who unpaid carers are
  • to raise awareness of and recognise the challenges unpaid carers face
  • to acknowledge the immense contributions unpaid carers make to our society
  • and to celebrate the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities

The theme for Carers Week 2026, “Building Carer Friendly Communities”, highlights what an important role communities play in ensuring carers get the opportunities and support they need.

Why do we need carer friendly communities?

Unpaid carers often get overlooked, undervalued or are unsupported. Yet, they are the backbone of our communities facing challenges affecting many aspects of their life including but not limited to their physical or mental health, education, relationships, careers, to name a few. Carer friendly communities have the power to turn understanding into action and make support a daily constant in carers’ lives. Even the smallest contribution can make a great impact on carers’ lives. 

Carer friendly communities 

  • recognise who unpaid carers are and the vital role they have in our society
  • understand the impact of caring and what it entails
  • take action to identify and support carers in different ways
  • empower carers to lead fulfilling lives

As a result, unpaid carers can have fairer support and opportunities, living a better life. 

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. Throughout the week, we will be raising awareness and encouraging communities to take practical and meaningful steps to create positive change.

We will also be celebrating carers with our Carers Week Programme, which will be released very soon. Watch this space! 

invitation to help with transitions drop in cafe taking place in May

June Drop-in Cafe: Help with Transitions

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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 Cafés’ in the Carers Centre (1a Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB). You can drop in between 10 am and 1 pm on the dates below (apart from June – please note the time change below) with questions or for a chat about transitions. These sessions are open to unpaid carers registered with the Carers Centre. 

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

Details:

📅 Thursday 7 May
🕒 From 9.30 am to 12.30 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. 

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:

  • 16 July
  • 6 August
  • 17 September
  • 15 October
  • 12 November
  • 10 December
care with confidence programme header showing an older gentleman and woman with their daughter and giving information about the sessions (Tuesdays from 10.30 am for Falkirk and Clackmannanshire carers)

Care with Confidence Programme – May to June

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Our new programme has now been released!

Come along to learn about topics that can help you with your caring role. 

Tuesday 26 May 2026: Dementia – Sundowning & Shadowing

You may notice that the person you care for becomes more confused and/or agitated in the late afternoon and evening. This is known as “Sundowning”. Learn about the steps you can take to help reduce sundowning, for their benefit as well as your own. Shadowing is a form of behaviour in which a person with dementia follows their caregiver around. Find out how to manage this behaviour by gaining an understanding of why this occurs.

Tuesday 02 June 2026: Visit to Falkirk Library

This session will take place at the Falkirk Library at Hope Street in Falkirk, FK1 5AU, so it will not be possible to attend on Zoom. We will meet at the library, and the Senior Library Assistant, Evelyn, will give us a tour and a brief chat about the library services. To name but a few, you can not only borrow books from the library but also musical instruments, tablets, and jigsaw puzzles. You have access to Wi-Fi and PCs. This is where you can pick up your hearing aid batteries. Come along to the library to find out more about all the services available.

Tuesday 09 June 2026: Carers Week

Watch out for our Newsletter and Social Media posts about Carers Week Activities.

You can download the latest CwC programme leaflet from here and the Dementia one from here.

To book a place or for further information on any of the above, please contact your Training Co-ordinator:

👩  Donna Mulder – Working hours: 21 hours per week (Monday – Wednesday)
📱  07824 381280
📧  donnamulder@centralcarers.co.uk

If you are a carer in Clackmannanshire, you are welcome to join these Falkirk sessions either over Zoom or, if you’d like to attend in person, travel may be provided. Please reach out to Donna for more information. 

photo of Sunday National article about Bami, a Falkirk carer who is also a Carer Representative

Falkirk Carer featuring in Sunday National

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How a carers centre changed my life forever

A mum’s journey from struggle to support—and why carers must be recognised

Bamidele Bamgbopa shares her powerful personal story of caring for her son, from the early challenges of navigating health systems to finding vital support after moving to Scotland. In this honest and moving piece, she reflects on the realities many carers face—including isolation, stigma, and lack of awareness—and how connecting with the Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre became a turning point for her.

👉 Read the full story here to discover how support, understanding, and recognition can transform a carer’s journey. The PDF can be zoomed in for easier reading. 

invitation to the voice on Monday 25 May

May Falkirk Carers’ Voice

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Falkirk Carers, you’re invited!

Learn about the Pharmacy First service and SFAD’s groups and activities that could help you in your caring role.

We will welcome Hollie Houghton from NHS Forth Valley, who will explain the Pharmacy First service and how this is beneficial to you. Rachael Scott from Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) will also be joining us to talk about their groups and activities that could help you in your caring role. 

Meeting details:
📅 Monday 25 May 2026
⏰ From 10 am to 12 noon
📍 At the Carers Centre in Falkirk or via Zoom

Register for the event here by 1pm on Thursday 21 May: https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/falkirk-carers-voice
Or get in touch with Sharlene Ramage, our Carer Participation Development Worker: sharleneramage@centralcarers.co.uk

⁉️ Did you know that you can read the previous meeting minutes on our website? Go to https://centralcarers.org/information/publications/