CARERS TRUST are proud to be supporting #CarersWeek 2026!
This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities and from 8-14 June we’ll explore how to build communities that make a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers.
During Carers Week 2025, The Eric Liddell Community spotlighted the invaluable role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones living with dementia.
Through its dedicated Carers Programme and specialist Dementia Day Care Service, the Edinburgh-based charity is providing essential respite, meaningful connection, and personalised support for carers across the city.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally demanding and socially isolating. According to Carers UK, eight in ten carers regularly experience feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
To help support unpaid carers across Edinburgh, The Eric Liddell Community delivers a range of inclusive, practical, and therapeutic services that aim to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and provide vital moments of rest and relief.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “Carers Week was a chance for us to honour the incredible role unpaid carers play in supporting their loved ones living with dementia, while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting them.
“At The Eric Liddell Community, we’re proud to offer services that not only provide vital respite, but also help reduce isolation, and offer a supportive community with others in a similar position.
“Through our Carers Programme, Dementia Day Care Service, and initiatives like Liddell Lions and Eric’s Escapes, we aim to create to provide companionship and a break from the isolating realities many carers face.”
The Carers Programme is more than just a series of activities – it’s a lifeline, a place where unpaid carers can recharge, rediscover themselves, and build lasting connections.
Whether it’s the joy of music, the rhythm of dance, or the quiet creativity of the arts, every session offers a chance to step away from daily pressures and embrace moments of renewal. Carers can also develop digital skills, experience holistic therapies, and join social gatherings that remind them they are not alone.
The programme’s impact is best seen in the story of Mary and John, both in their late 80s and living with dementia. As their needs grew, their daughters sought support from The Eric Liddell Community.
What followed was nothing short of transformative.
John rekindled his passion for gardening, finding peace among flowers and fresh earth, while Mary, once hesitant, discovered confidence through music, proudly contributing to daily activities with a newfound spark.
“We feel so lucky we found you,” their daughter shared, capturing the deep gratitude felt by so many families touched by the programme.
With growing demand, The Eric Liddell Community remains committed to expanding its services—ensuring every unpaid carer in Edinburgh has access to a compassionate, uplifting community.
To learn more about the Carers Programme and other available services, visit:
This Carers Week (9 – 15 June), unpaid carers across Scotland are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for social security support – through Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant
Carer’s Allowance Supplement – a payment only available north of the border – was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution.
Since the payment’s introduction, unpaid carers in Scotland will be up to £4,475 better off by the end of 2025.
On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: “Social security in Scotland isn’t about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government.
“We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we’re making.
“We introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it.
“We’re also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland.
“Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It’s a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.”
Carla Bennett, Carer Services Manager at VOCAL Midlothian added: “Unpaid carers often face financial hardship, with many forced to give up paid work or reduce their hours to support those they care for.
“Caring for someone comes with additional costs too, such as transport, heating, equipment and food. These expenses, combined with reduced income, mean carers are more likely to experience poverty.
“Demand for VOCAL’s income maximisation service has doubled in the past year, showing that carers are feeling the strain. Accessing financial and social security support can ease this burden and make a significant difference to the lives of carers and those they care for.
“We would encourage carers to find out what they might be eligible for.”
Personal playlists however can give dementia carers, who are often relatives or friends respite, by helping to reduce symptoms including distress, anxiety, loss of communication and low mood.
Want to know how to make a playlist? Join our free webinar for family and friends this Thursday to learn how:
https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/…/how-to-make-a…/…
Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo tomorrow (Wednesday 12 June), thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
The event is part of Carers Week 2025 and is a chance to recognise the important role young carers play in their families and communities. It offers a space for young carers to take a break, connect with others in similar situations and simply enjoy being young.
This free trip provides a rare break for many of the young carers attending, some as young as five years old who often juggle school, caring responsibilities and everyday life, frequently without recognition or support.
More than one in five (22%) young carers in Scotland say they are unable to take a break from caring, and over half (54%) say having a break would help them manage their role better.
Young carers in Scotland often face greater challenges than their peers – according to the latest survey data, 52% of young carers say they ‘always’ or ‘usually’ feel stressed because of their caring role, and 43% report that caring limits how much time they can spend with friends.
Young carers are children and young people who help care for a family member with a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol dependency.
This year’s Carers Week theme, “Caring About Equality”, highlights the need for better understanding of the challenges carers face and for greater inclusion in all areas of life.
A young carer from Glasgow South Carers Centre said: “On 12 June I am attending a young carers event at Edinburgh zoo.
“I am looking forward to meeting up with friends I’ve made at through the YC Connect – South Glasgow Young Carers Group and others that will become friends.“
Becky Duff, Director at Carers Trust Scotland, said: “There are an estimated 30,000 young people providing unpaid care in Scotland, and this number is only set to grow.
“Being a young carer can have a big impact on your education, relationships and identity. Young carers can often feel unseen and unsupported, and at Carers Trust we are determined to change this.
“All unpaid carers have a right to live fulfilling lives alongside their caring roles and to have a break from caring. We are delighted to be partnering with RZSS this Carers Week, to celebrate young carers and give them a chance to connect with peers, take a break from their caring role and have lots of fun.”
David Field, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), added: “It’s a real pleasure to be hosting young carers from across Scotland.
“These remarkable young people take on immense responsibilities and often put the needs of others before their own. A visit to Edinburgh Zoo offers them a valuable opportunity to play, explore and bond with the natural world.
“We know that these moments of joy and discovery spark a lifelong love of animals and nature, which can have a lasting, positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.”
As part of the day, young carers will also be invited to share what caring means to them. Their voices and experiences will help raise awareness about what it’s like to be a young carer in Scotland today.
Carers Week takes place this week, 10th – 16th June. The theme this year is ‘Putting Carers on the Map.’
This theme reflects the importance of ensuring carers’ voices are heard. Carers Week is also an opportunity to recognise carers’ invaluable contributions while acknowledging the challenges carers face.
This year’s campaign invites us as individuals or organisations to add your name to put carers on the map and share your caring story, how you support carers, or discuss how you think support for carers needs to change.
All the resources for Carers Week can be found on the Carers Week website.
A COSLA Spokesperson commented: “Three in five of us will take on a caring responsibility in our lifetime. Every single day, carers enable people they care for to get the most out of life, and I would like to thank each carer for their vital contribution to the health and social care system.
“I encourage us all to take the time this Carers Week to consider what more we can do to support carers in our communities and ensure their voices are heard. I also encourage carers to explore the range of Carers Week activities in their local area, to meet fellow carers and find advice and support.”
Do you have fire safety concerns about someone you care for?
Have you noticed:
• burn marks in the home
• cooking regularly left unattended
• poor housekeeping
• an accumulation of possessions that restrict escape routes
Call 0800 0731 999 to book a Home Fire Safety Visit
This Carers Week (10th – 14th June) local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is highlighting the support offered to unpaid carers every week of the year
Are you an unpaid carer? Do you support another adult – friend or relative – due to their age, illness or disability? Then this could be for you!
LifeCare Edinburgh understands how important it is for unpaid carers to get a well-deserved break. The charity offers a range of respite services such as their registered day clubs, outreach care, help at home and meals on wheels services. The charity also offers a fantastic range of free drop-in activities designed for unpaid carers to relax, do something for them and meet others in a similar position.
Join LifeCare to try a new activity or get back to something you love. All unpaid carer activity sessions take place in the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street and run through the week at different days and times.
Why not pop along to Zumba on a Monday 6pm, Watercolours on a Tuesday at 11am, Painting and Sculpture for Beginners on a Thursday at 11am or Yoga on Sunday at 5pm? Everyone that joins a class receives a voucher for a free tea or coffee in the charity’s community café CafeLife based within the hub.
Thanks to these activities, carers report feeling supported, connected, valued, refreshed and overall they feel better equipped to continue in their caring role. One carer recently told us “I feel like myself again”
All activities are drop-in, no need to book, and are completely free thanks to funding from The Short Break Fund and LNER Community Fund. You’re welcome to bring along the person you care for.
To find out more drop in to the hub on Cheyne Street, call 0131 343 0940, email enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or visit www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
The number of young carers getting a grant only available in Scotland has rocketed, figures released ahead of Carers Week show.
Over 3,700 teens have received Young Carer Grant payments worth £1.4m in the last financial year, almost 60% more than the year before.
The Scottish Government is urging even more young carers to apply and is asking family and friends to encourage them to check if they’re eligible.
Young Carer Grant is available to anyone aged 16 – 18 who spends at least 16 hours a week on average caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.
Young carers can offer vital support to family members, friends or relatives who have disabilities or long-term health conditions. This could include making meals, helping with housework, reminding them to take medication or providing emotional support.
The £380 payment can be applied for once a year and spent on whatever the young person wants.
Young Carer Grant was introduced by the Scottish Government in October 2019 to recognise the vital role unpaid young carers play and to help them access opportunities that are the norm for many other young people.
Since then over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “At the start of Carers Week, it’s heartening to see that more young carers than ever before are getting Young Carer Grant.
“We introduced the payment in recognition of the vital role young carers play, and to provide money they can use to take part in activities enjoyed by others their age that they might miss out on otherwise.
“I urge any young carer who is eligible for the grant but hasn’t applied in the past year to do so as soon as possible.
“I would also ask the family members and friends of teenagers eligible to encourage them to apply as they may not be aware of the grant or even consider themselves to be a carer.”
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 for young carers in Scotland. People can apply for Young Carer Grant online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
The latest Young Carer Grant statistics were published on 4 June.
Strachan House care home, in Blackhall, has celebrated the launch of Carers Week in style. Carers week celebrates carers both paid and unpaid for the amazing work that they do and raises awareness of the benefits and challenges of carers nationally.
Staff began their week with a celebratory breakfast provided to all carers with something delicious to start the day. Day shift and night shift came together to celebrate each other.
Staff were then treated to a range of Holistic therapies provided by the wonderful Lisa from Positive flow therapies. Staff and residents alike were given head massages, hand massages and reflexology where they felt this would be beneficial.
Strachan House has built up a great relationship with Lisa following her support assisting the loved ones of residents during difficult times and can’t wait to utilise her services throughout the home.
General Manager, Fran Fisher said: “It is important to recognise the hard work of our staff here at Strachan House.
“The staff here work tirelessly to ensure all the residents are cared for to the highest possible standard, they take everything in their stride and deserve the very best rewards from us”.
Lisa from Positive Flow therapies provides a range of holistic therapy and believes that massage is not a luxury but Self-care.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides nursing and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
