Building Carer Friendly Communities - Carers Week - 8th to 14th June

North Argyll Carers Centre

Across Oban, Lorn and the Isles, there are hundreds of people quietly holding families and communities together.

North Argyll Carers Centre currently supports 881 unpaid carers, from the age of five upwards, including people living on 10 of our islands. They are caring for partners, parents, children, friends and neighbours; often without recognition, and often without thinking of themselves as “carers” at all. Carers Week is an opportunity to change that, and this year’s theme of Carer Friendly Communities feels particularly important in a rural area like ours.
The reality is that most of us will, at some point in our lives, either become a carer or need care ourselves and yet many people do not identify as unpaid carers. They simply see themselves as doing what needs to be done for someone they love or care about.

The hidden impact of caring

Unpaid carers will almost always put the person they care for before themselves. That can mean missed appointments, cancelled plans, poor sleep, and very little time to look after their own health and wellbeing.
The demands of caring often increase gradually. There isn’t always a clear moment when someone steps into the role. It can creep up over time, until one day they realise just how much they are carrying.
Caring can affect every part of a person’s life: emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships, financial security, employment, education, social connection and self-worth.  Without the right support, carers can reach breaking point without even realising how depleted they have become.

What support can look like

At North Argyll Carers Centre, support is built around the individual, recognising that no two caring situations are the same. This includes person-centred
emotional and practical support, information on rights and entitlements and the development of Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements to help carers identify what they need to sustain their role. The Centre also provides informal advocacy, helping carers have their voices heard.
Just as importantly, carers are supported to take breaks from caring, whether through access to short breaks, counselling and therapies, or time to themselves.
Alongside this, North Argyll Carers Centre runs a wide range of social, peer support and wellbeing activities for carers of all ages. These include regular groups, wellbeing sessions, family activities, young carers’ after-school clubs, intergenerational projects, and opportunities for carers and those they care for to take part together - both in Oban and across the islands. What these offer is something carers often lack: the space to breathe, reconnect with their own needs and recharge. Most carers want to continue to provide care but they need to be supported to stay well themselves in order to do that.

Tel: 01631 564422

Email: info@northargyllcarers.org.uk

Web northargyllcarers.org.uk

Carr Gomm

Carr Gomm exists to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way. We put people and communities at the heart of everything we do, not profit. Our services are based on our values and reflect the choices and aspirations of each individual and community we work with. Our qualified staff work with people in their homes and communities, supporting people in their day-to-day lives and making plans to achieve their hopes and dreams in the future.
Since 1997, we have supported people and communities, witnessing firsthand how connection and interdependence can transform individuals’ health and well-being. This is why Carr Gomm fundraises to tackle isolation and loneliness in our communities through projects and activities across Scotland.

Tel: 01631 563375

Email: hsoban@carrgomm.org

Web: www.carrgomm.org/

Lochaber Hope

Lochaber Hope, based in Fort William, is a registered charity dedicated to providing mental health support and personal development opportunities to individuals across Lochaber. Their services include counselling, mentoring, training and employability support, all aimed at restoring self-esteem, reducing social isolation, and preventing suffering and suicide in the community.

Tel: 01397 704836

Email: admin@lochaberhope.org.uk

Web: www.lochaberhope.org.uk

Care Lochaber

Care Lochaber is a community-driven charity based in Fort William, Scotland, dedicated to supporting residents facing challenges due to age, disability, ill health, or rural isolation. Established in 1997 as the Community Care Forum, it launched the Lochaber Community Car Scheme to provide essential transport services. Today, around 35 volunteer drivers facilitate over 3,000 journeys annually, helping over 380 registered users attend medical appointments, social events and run errands . Beyond transportation, Care Lochaber organises social events to combat loneliness among older adults, fostering community connections and enhancing well-being. The organisation operates under a dedicated volunteer committee and relies on community support and donations to sustain its vital services.

Tel: 01397 701222

Email: administrator@carelochaber.org

Web: www.carelochaber.org/

Mid Argyll Youth Development Services

We offer a diverse range of projects and programmes that incorporate working with young parents and their children, young carers and their families, young people not in employment, education or training, young offenders and everyday average young people.

Tel: 07788 900049

Email: fiona@mayds.org.uk/lynn@mayds.org.uk

Web: www.cool2talk.org

Dochas

What’s happening this Carers Week?

We have a range of events planned across the area to bring carers together and encourage connection:
• Tuesday 9 June – Craft & Chill Afternoon Tea in Lochgilphead, alongside a Carers’ Wellness Session in Campbeltown
• Wednesday 10 June – Parent Carers’ Wellness Day in Tarbert
• Thursday 11 June – Dropin Brunch and Men’s Group Afternoon Tea in Lochgilphead, plus Coffee & Cake and Seated Yoga sessions in Bowmore, Islay 

These events are designed to offer carers a welcoming space to take a break, try something new and connect with others who understand their experiences.
We also hope to reach those who may not yet recognise themselves as carers. Many people provide regular, unpaid support without realising help is available to them.

You are not alone 

This Carers Week, our message is simple: you matter, and support is here for you. If you’re caring for someone and need support, or simply want to take part in Carers Week activities, contact Dòchas Carers Centre today on 01546 600022, email enquiries@dochas.scot or visit www.dochas.scot
Reach out, get involved, and take the first step towards support, connection and time for yourself.