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A group of six people sits at two tables on a stage in front of a blue curtain, prepared for a panel discussion.

Carers Put Candidates On The Spot

Unpaid Carers from across Stirling attended a first‑ever Carers’ Hustings on 14th April at the Cowane Centre. Around 40 Carers questioned six Holyrood candidates on key issues including funding for Carer organisations, support for Young Carers, employment and financial security, the ‘Right to a Break’, and challenges facing older Carers.

“Carers rarely have the time or space to speak about the realities of their lives, so creating a forum where their experiences were listened to with respect and interest was incredibly valuable.” - Keri Moore, CEO.

Read the full report and access all resources on our website.

Download hustings summary		Download hustings audio recording

Front page of the Nation Carer Organisations Carers' Manifesto: Supporting unpaid carers and young carers in 2026 and beyond.

The Carers' Manifesto

To make sure Carers are heard, the National Carer Organisations - a group of seven organisations that represent unpaid Carers - have created the Carers Manifesto.

It sets out ten key asks for the next government, based on three priorities: better support, better health and wellbeing, and better financial security.

Read the Carers' Manifesto

Front cover of the Carers Trust Scotland Election Toolkit for Unpaid Carers

Carers' Election Toolkit

Carers Trust Scotland has launched clear, accessible toolkits to support unpaid carers in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.

The toolkits for adult and young adult Carers contain everything you need to know about voting, engaging with candidates, and making your voice heard.

View the Carers Trust Election Resources Page

How Can We Communicate Better?

We know how challenging it can be to juggle your time as a Carer, and we recognise that information about our services does not always reach you in the best way. We have listened to your feedback and want to improve how we communicate.

Please take 2 minutes to complete our short survey and help us shape our communication channels so they work better for you.

Complete the Communications survey

Time to Live Grants Reopen

We're delighted to announce that funding has come through and Time to Live Grants are open for application again. Apply for up to £300 to help you take a break from caring. Visit our website for more details and to apply.

Apply for a Time to Live grant

Carers Week 2026: Save the Date!

We're busy planning a range of events to celebrate Carers Week, which this year falls 8th - 14th June. Confirmed events include an aromatherapy workshop, a visit to Bannockburn Heritage Centre, a ghost walk, and an information day at Bannockburn Hub.

The full programme will be available shortly. Look out for an email in the next few weeks with details of what's going on and how to book. We'll also share all the details on our website and social media.

Carer 'Right to Breaks' Consultation

The 'Right to Breaks' consultation is open until 22nd May. The responses to this consultation will shape how Carer breaks look going forward, so it's vital that the views of Carers across Scotland in as many different caring situations as possible are captured.

The key questions are:

What counts as a 'sufficient' break?
What types of breaks should be included?
What should the timescales be for preparing adult carer support plans and young carer statements?

Read the full consultation and add your response via the link below.

Respond to the Carer Breaks Consultation

Join us in the Carers' Garden

Our weekly Gardening Group restarted this week, and an unexpected helper joined us! One of the garden's chickens came to help out, scratching alongside us and happily eating all the worms we unearthed! We made a start on tidying up the plot and have crops ready to go in for this season.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, why not join us in the garden? You don't need to have any gardening skills to come along and take part. All welcome, and there's always time for a cuppa and a chat.

The Gardening Group meets Thursdays, 11am - 12pm, in Braehead Community Garden.

Contact Margaret on 01786 447003 or email [email protected] for more details.

BBC Caring Matters Week - Radio Opportunity

As part of the launch of BBC Caring Matters Week, BBC Radio Scotland will be hosting a live programme focused on unpaid Carers.

BBC Radio Scotland Mornings
Monday 26 May, 10am - 12pm
Presented by Connie McLaughlin

The programme will explore what it’s like to be an unpaid Carer in Scotland today, including the challenges and rewards of caring, balancing care with work or education, and access to support, alongside a dedicated financial advice segment for unpaid carers.

The broadcast will be fully live and will include a mix of live phone‑ins and unpaid carers sharing their stories from the audience. If you are interested in being part of the audience or participating in the phone in, please contact Tash by emailing [email protected].

Advert for the Enable Communities walking groups on Mondays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Contact communities@enable.org.uk for more details.

New walking group for adults with a learning disability

Enable is launching a new social walking group for adults with a learning disability. Parents/ Carers are welcome to join.

The first walk will take place on Monday 11th May, 1.30-3.30pm, from Stirling Bus Station.

Contact Courtney Ackerman on 07483 487266 or email [email protected] for more info.

What's On

Rural Carers Group

Friday 15th May

2pm - 3.30pm

Trust Housing, Callander

Join us for a relaxed and friendly monthly catch-up group for Carers living in rural Stirling. Meet others in a similar situation, share experiences, and enjoy a cuppa in good company. You’re welcome to bring along the person you care for.

My Time

Thursday 28th May

6pm - 8pm

Riverside Bowling Club

My Time is our monthly evening group for Carers. Our May activity is not yet confirmed, but register if you are interested in joining and we'll be in touch with details.

Other upcoming groups & activities

Book Group
- Friday 1st May, 10.30am - 11.30am, Stirling Carers Centre.
Carer Lunches
- Killearn: Wednesday 13th May, 12pm - 2pm, Killearn Village Hall
- St. Ninians: Monday 18th May, 12pm - 2pm, Mayfield Centre
Parent Carers Multisport Sessions
- Wednesdays, 4.30pm - 5.30pm, The Peak
Riverside Carers Group
- Friday 8th May, 1.30 - 3pm, Riverside Bowling Club
Self-Directed Support Information Sessions
- Person’s Pathway: Thursday 28th May, 10am - 12pm, Stirling Carers Centre
- Carer’s Pathway: Thursday 14th May, 10am - 12pm, Stirling Carers Centre
Stirling Sunshine Singers
- Thursdays, 11am - 12.30pm, Stirling Albert Halls (Lesser Hall).
- NO SESSION 7th MAY
Walking Group
- Monday 11th May, 10.30am - 12.00pm
Yoga & Relaxation
- Mondays, 3.45pm - 4.30pm online
- Wednesdays & Fridays, 9.30am - 10.30am, Killearn Village Hall
Young Adult Carers Group (18-25)
- Thursday 28th May, 6-8pm, CHAMPS Space, Stirling
Complementary Therapies
- Appointments available in Stirling and Callander. Contact the Centre to book.

Register for events

Stirling Carers Centre

Kintail House, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ

01786 447003

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