Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre, 2-6 Nith Street, Dumfries, DG1 2PW
Dumfries
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway

Carers Forum: Recognising, Supporting, and Empowering Unpaid Carers: Building A Compassionate Community

Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our communities, providing essential support to loved ones while often facing significant challenges themselves. The Carers Forum brings together professionals, community organisations, and Carers themselves to explore how we can better recognise, support, and empower those who care.

Join us for an engaging and insightful event featuring:

  • Speakers from across the region addressing priorities for carer support.
  • A day in the life: A lived experience perspective, sharing the realities of day-to-day caregiving.
  • Community insight: Organisations sharing practical approaches to supporting Carers within the community.
  • Round table discussions: Explore key topics such as identifying hidden carers, improving mental health support, and enhancing community collaboration.
  • Networking and support: Connect with other professionals and carers to share ideas, experiences, and resources.Whether you work directly with Carers, support Carer-focused initiatives, or are an unpaid Carer yourself, this forum offers valuable insights and practical tools to foster a more Carer friendly community.

Increased Awareness and Understanding:

    • Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Carers, including their rights, needs, and the critical role they play in the community.
    • Insight into the strategic direction of Carer support from local planning and commissioning perspectives.

Enhanced Practical Knowledge:

    • Attendees will learn practical approaches to identifying and supporting Carers, informed by both strategic insights and lived experiences.

Community and Network Building:

    • Opportunities to connect with other professionals, Carers, and community organisations to build stronger support networks.
    • Sharing of best practices and innovative ideas through round table discussions and interactive sessions.

Collaborative Action Planning:

    • Identification of gaps in current practices and joint commitment to address them.

Exploration of a Regular Carers Forum:

    • The event will provide a space to discuss the potential for establishing a regular Carers Forum to continue sharing insights, resources, and support across the sector.
    • Gathering feedback on how a recurring forum could meet ongoing needs and strengthen collaboration.

Empowerment of Carers:

    • By including Carer voices directly, the event will foster a more inclusive and respectful understanding of Carer challenges and solutions.
    • Practical strategies to support Carers’ mental health and wellbeing, informed by real-world experiences.