National Carers: Savings Across the UK

Wiltshire Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources

Why not have a look at where you could buy your Christmas gifts this year using your Carers ID Card. Lots of lovely things to find with a discount...

In Wiltshire visit: 

Sole Luna in Calne- the home of beautiful hand dyed clothing, crystals, incense, candles, and more to receive a 5% discount. 

Indico in Cricklade stocks wonderful gifts, homewares, accessories and jewellery, from India. Receive a 10% discount in store with your card. 

You may know someone who would enjoy a visit to Salisbury Escape Rooms. 15% Discount available using CODE: CARERFRIENDLY15 

Whilst out shopping in Trowbridge, rest a while and visit Cesar’s Coffee for some refreshment and light bites and receive 10% off your bill. 

Featured offer/service– Inglis Physiotherapy

 

Have Your Say on Self-Directed Support in Wiltshire

Do you, or someone you care for, use Self-Directed Support (SDS) – sometimes called a Personal Budget or Personal Payment Plan? 

SDS is about giving people more choice and control over how their care and support needs are met. Instead of the council arranging services for you, the money can be given directly to you (or managed on your behalf), so you can decide what works best – from employing a personal assistant, arranging home care, or paying for activities, therapy, equipment, or short breaks. 

We know that SDS works differently for everyone, and sometimes it isn’t straightforward. That’s why Voice It, Hear It is leading an independent piece of engagement to gather the real lived experiences of people across Wiltshire. 

We want to hear from people who: 

• are currently using SDS, 

• were offered it but chose not to take it up, 

• tried it but later went back to council-arranged support, or 

• care for or support someone who has been involved in SDS. 

• are a professional who supports, advises, or works with people offered SDS 

Why your voice matters 

Services can only change for the better when the people who use them share what works, what doesn’t, and what could be improved. Your insights will directly feed into a report that is shared with Wiltshire Council, local partners, and the wider community later this year. 

How you can take part 

You can share your story in whatever way works best for you: 

• complete our online survey – tell us as much as you would like in your own time, at your own pace: https://survey.communityfirst.org.uk/zs/3CBZvN 

• a one-to-one chat on the phone or by video call, 

• a face-to-face meeting, 

• through a group or organisation you already know and trust. 

Conversations are guided by a few open questions, kept confidential, and can remain anonymous if you wish. 

Email: voice@communityfirst.org.uk 
Phone: 01380 722 475 

This project is part of Voice It, Hear It and supported by Wiltshire Council. 

Your voice can shape the future of support in Wiltshire – please get in touch if you’d like to take part.

Carers Rights Day 2025 – Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights Support 

Carers Rights Day is fast approaching on Thursday 20^th November – a national awareness day dedicated to ensuring unpaid Carers understand their rights, know where to get help, and feel supported in their caring role.  

Across Dorset and Wiltshire, partners are coming together to host a variety of online and in-person events offering advice, information, and wellbeing activities for Carers. 

A full programme of events will be available soon on the Our Dorset website, our own Forward Carers online calendar in Wiltshire, and the Carers Together Wiltshire events – so keep an eye out and get involved on what is on near you!

Carers Rights Day Online Events  

Remember to book onto these, we would love to see you there.  

The Carers Card and How it Supports your Rights, 18th November 2025 6.30pm-7.15pm.  

Link to Book: Carers ID Card Discovery Session – Carers Rights  

Support For Working Carers-Rights at Work 20th November 7pm-7.45pm.  

Link to Book: Support For Working Carers

The theme this year is “Know your rights, use your rights”. This day is a call to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution of unpaid Carers and to ensure that you – the Carers we support – are empowered with the knowledge, tools and support you deserve.

Why this day matters

There are an estimated 5.8 million unpaid Carers in the UK – people providing care to a partner, family member, friend or neighbour without being paid. Many Carers do not recognise themselves as Carers, and may miss out on the rights and support available. Knowing your rights is not just about legal entitlement, it’s about safeguarding your wellbeing, protecting your role as a Carer, and enabling the person you care for to receive the best support.

What rights should Carers know about?

Here are some of the key rights and entitlements you should be aware of:

• The right to a Carer’s Assessment: if your caring role is affecting your life, you have the right to ask your local authority for an assessment to identify support for you.
• The right to be identified as a Carer: for example, on GP records, and to access immunisations or health checks.
• Employment-related rights: you have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment, and under the new framework you can change arrangements more than once a year.
• The right to challenge when your rights are not being met: whether that is discrimination in the workplace, being left out of decisions about the person you care for, or transitions between children’s and adult services.

What we at Forward Carers are doing…

As a values-driven social enterprise dedicated to recognising, valuing and supporting unpaid Carers, here’s how we are marking this Carers Rights Day:

• Events (online & in- person) across our regions (Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Dorset and Wiltshire) to help you understand your rights, ask questions and access support.

• Measurement and impact focus: we will track how many Carers access the sessions, how many undertake a Carer’s Assessment after the event, and how many report feeling more confident in exercising their rights in our service areas over next 12 months.
• Testimonies & case-studies: sharing real-life stories of unpaid Carers we support, to highlight the difference that rights awareness can make.

Why it matters for Carers and whole families…

For the Carer: this day and ongoing work is about you – your health, your potential to carry out caring in a sustainable way, your ability to have a life outside caring.

For the person you care for: when you are supported and empowered, the quality of care improves, the relationship is stronger, and the whole family benefits.

For services & businesses: recognising and supporting unpaid Carers reduces hidden costs, prevents crises, and builds resilient, Carer-Friendly communities. Indeed, Carers underpin our health and social care systems, and deserve to be “seen, heard and supported”.

How you can get involved

• If you are a Carer (or think you might be) — book into one of our Carers Rights Day sessions and use the day to gain information and advice or: “What rights am I entitled to? Am I using them?”

• If you are an employer or organisation — join us in promoting Carer-Friendly policies, sharing resources, and making your workplace one where Carers are recognised and supported.

• Share your story: whether via our social channels or email us — your voice helps others realise they are not alone.

Closing thoughts

On this Carers Rights Day we commit to standing with you: helping you know your rights, feel confident to use them, and supporting you to live a life beyond caring. As one of our partners said recently: “When Carers understand their rights, everything changes.” We look forward to working together to build Carer-Friendly Communities where unpaid Carers are truly recognised, valued and supported.

A brand-new online resource has been launched to support Young Carers in Wiltshire, offering a dedicated space where children and young people caring for a family member can find guidance, information, and support.

The new Young Carers pages on the Carer Friendly Wiltshire website have been co-produced with Young Carers themselves, ensuring the content is engaging, relevant, and truly reflective of their experiences.  

The pages provide:

• Practical Support Young Carers Cares ID Card to support their recognition in our communities, online activity groups, National and Local discounts directory 
• Local support information including where to get help and how to connect with other young carers. Benefits calculator for Young Adult Carers, financial support and grants 
• In Our Own Words  that let young carers know they are not alone and share experiences
   
  

Voices from the community

” The Young Carers page is informative with a subtle blue background making it easier to read and there are links to finding information. It is definitely a good website to use!’ – Chloe a member of the Young Carers Council

“Young carers are vital to our communities. This resource recognises their role and provides a safe space to connect, learn, and access support. Thanks to Forward Carers for ensuring young carers’ voices shaped this project. We encourage families, schools, and professionals to explore and share the resource widely.”
— Georgia Tanner, Strategic Commissioning Team Manager, Wiltshire Council

“It was an amazing opportunity for Wiltshire Young Carers to co-produce the Forward Carers website. Their insights were so valuable and were a key part in making the website engaging and young person-friendly. Thank you to Rachel for leading on this project, we look forward to continuing to work with you and your team.”
— Youth Voice Worker, Wiltshire Young Carers Council

“Forward Carers are delighted to have worked so closely with Young Carers Council members, Wiltshire Council, Youth Action Wiltshire, and Carers Together Wiltshire to support with these co-created dedicated pages. Shaped by Young Carers and for Young Carers, this is the start of our ongoing relationship to ensure their voices guide us to the support that reflects what really matters to them.”
— Rachel Close, Programme Manager, Forward Carers

About the project

Forward Carers, Wiltshire Council, Youth Action Wiltshire, and Carers Together Wiltshire have collaborated to create this resource as part of their shared commitment to recognise, celebrate, and support the incredible role Young Carers play in their families and communities.

The new Young Carers website pages are now live at: carerfriendlywiltshire.org.uk/young-carers

Carers Rights Day 2025 – Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights Support 

Carers Rights Day is fast approaching on Thursday 20^th November – a national awareness day dedicated to ensuring unpaid Carers understand their rights, know where to get help, and feel supported in their caring role.  

Across Dorset and Wiltshire, partners are coming together to host a variety of online and in-person events offering advice, information, and wellbeing activities for Carers. 

A full programme of events will be available soon on the Our Dorset website, our own Forward Carers online calendar in Wiltshire, and the Carers Together Wiltshire events – so keep an eye out and get involved!

Carers Rights Day Online Events  

Wiltshire Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources

The Parkinson’s UK – The Cricklade Café Volunteers Team

A warm, friendly and comforting welcome awaits you. Meeting on the third Wednesday of every month 10:30 – 12:00. They have regular visits from the Parkinson’s Nurse Disease Specialist from GWH Swindon and other guests that are of interest to our visitors. Anyone with Parkinson’s, their spouse or family and friends are welcome to join at the cafes if they wish.

If you would like to find out more information about the Parkinson’s UK – The Cricklade Café, then please contact: parkinsonscafecricklade@gmail.com

Open Door Warminster

About Us
A volunteer group supporting residents of Warminster and nearby villages. Formed in 2020, aiming to bring people together in a friendly, safe space to combat loneliness and social isolation.

Their Chat Cafés

• Thursday Friendship Café: Open every Thursday morning for anyone feeling lonely or isolated. Enjoy good company, a cuppa, and cake in a welcoming atmosphere.
• Cancer Support Café: Held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month for anyone affected by cancer or supporting a loved one. Volunteers with lived experience offer a listening ear, and guest organisations like Macmillan Cancer and Look Good Feel Better share practical advice.
• Prostate Support Café: Open on the 2nd and 4th Monday, 7:00–8:30pm, helping men talk openly about prostate cancer and raise awareness.
• Grief Support Café: Held on the 2nd and 4th Friday, offering a safe place to share and work through feelings of loss with understanding volunteers.
  

Details
All cafés take place at The Athenæum Centre, 18–20 High Street, Warminster, BA12 9AE.
It’s a free, drop-in service—donations welcome. The trained volunteers are experienced in safeguarding and active listening.

Carers Together Wiltshire Preparation for End of Life and Bereavement Workshop

  

Did you know?

Wiltshire Carers- Your Latest Offers & Resources 

Did you know that Wiltshire Carers also have access to a wide range of online discounts too!

Here are a few for you to browse:

The Tea Break Project 

The Teabreak Project is your monthly yes to a beautiful, boxed reminder that you matter. It combines craft with a delicious cake filled moment. 

15% discount on any one-off purchases or the duration of a subscription using CODE: FORWARDCARERS15-Discounts – Forward Carers 

SoleCup 

SoleCup products offer long-lasting alternatives to single-use disposables. They are barista friendly and designed to work with both coffee shop machines and home brewing set-ups. SoleCup says ‘We’re committed to reducing environmental impact without compromising on the flavor and quality of your drink.’ 

SoleCup- 20% Discount with code CARERS20 online- Premium Eco-Friendly Coffee, Loose Tea and Smoothie Travel Mugs-Discounts – Forward Carers  

The Black Dementia Company 

The Black Dementia Company offers products and services to support the care of people living with dementia, especially those who are familiar with African and Caribbean cultures. This includes a range of jigsaw puzzles and books. 

The Black Dementia Company- 10% discount off products and services, including our online training sessions. Mention Forward Carers when you contact us to place your order for the discount to be applied-Discounts – Forward Carers 

This month’s newsletter shines a spotlight on Better Housing, Better Health, a free UK-wide advice service helping Carers make their homes warmer, safer, and more affordable. You’ll also find the latest national discounts from well-known brands, alongside local offers and resources for Carers in Dorset and Wiltshire – from community hubs tackling loneliness to practical guides that make navigating care and support easier.

Better Housing, Better Health – Supporting Carers Across the UK

Looking after someone you love can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be tough, especially when housing conditions or high energy costs add extra pressure. Cold, damp, or homes in need of repair, can impact your health and the wellbeing of the person you care for. 

That’s where Better Housing, Better Health (BHBH) can help.

Plan Ahead – Even in the Heat

It might not be on your mind during this hot weather, but winter will be here before you know it. The support from Better Housing, Better Health is available now, so it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. Acting early means your home can be warm, safe, and affordable to run when the cold months arrive. 

What is Better Housing, Better Health?

Better Housing, Better Health is a free, confidential advice service that helps households across the UK make their homes warmer, safer, and healthier. Run by The National Energy Foundation, it offers practical guidance and connects you to grants, funding, and home improvements that can make a real difference. 

Why it Matters for unpaid Carers

If you’re a Carer, you probably spend more time at home than most, and the quality of that home can directly affect your health and your ability to care. 
BHBH can help you: 

Feel more comfortable – Warmer, more energy-efficient homes mean less stress and more peace of mind. 

Save money – Lower energy bills ease financial pressure, freeing up money for other essentials. 

Protect your health – A warm, safe home reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, slips, and falls. 

Make daily life easier – When a home is well maintained and suitable, caring responsibilities become more manageable.

How Better Housing, Better Health Helps

You can get support with: 

Signposting to other local services that can help. 

• Free advice on energy efficiency and insulation. 

• Finding grants or funding for home improvements. 

• Repairs or replacements for heating systems. 

• Guidance on reducing damp and mould. 

Take the First Step

Don’t wait until the cold sets in,  find out what help you can access today. 

Wiltshire Carers – Did You Know?

There are some great offers and activities you can enjoy as a Carer. Many places accept our Carers ID Card as Registered Carer evidence, so always worth asking but you can also apply for these yourself: 

• Access for Everyone – National Trust:  Access for everyone | National Trust 

• Carer Pass Redemption Information – Merlin Annual Pass: Carer Pass Redemption Information | Merlin Annual Pass 

Palmer Gardens Garden Centre is run by the Shaw Trust and provides a friendly welcoming environment. Visit the Mulberry Tree Cafe whilst you are there, for a relaxing drink or something to eat.  Palmer Gardens | Trowbridge | Facebook 

Our Project Assistant, Karen, will be visiting Tisbury, Pewsey, Amesbury. Cricklade and Marlborough  over August and September. Do you have any local businesses you’d like to see signed up to our Carer-friendly scheme in these areas? Let Karen know via our carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk 

Carers Week 2025 was a heartfelt celebration across Dorset and Wiltshire, with a shared focus on fairness and recognition for unpaid Carers. 

We teamed up with our Carer Friendly business and community partners to bring you special experiences, free events, and practical support, designed with you in mind.

Throughout the week, Carers told us they felt more connected, better informed, and truly appreciated. Thanks to the support of our amazing partners, we welcomed new faces and strengthened support for those who care every day – often without a break or recognition. 

A big thank you to: 
Blandford Hidden Gardens, 
Pavilion Dance South West, 
Leonardo Carer Support, 
Brownsea Island – National Trust, 
Carers Money Matters, 
Colten Care
who helped bring incredible events to life: 

• Hidden Gardens (Blandford) – A peaceful day out where Carers enjoyed free access with their Carers Card. 
  “How wonderful to access this for FREE with our Carers Card. I hope more events like this sign up to your programme.” 
• Brownsea Island (National Trust) – Ten Carers joined a relaxing trip, while 31 more visitors learned about Carer support. 
  “Really enjoyable day – the island facilities were great.” 
• Carers Rights at Work (Online) – Over 75 Carers joined two online sessions covering workplace rights and financial support. 
  “This was so helpful. I’ll be following up on Carers Leave.” 
• Adam Practice , Checkers Garden Party, Dorset Museum Events – In-person outreach in Poole, Salisbury and Dorchester, where Carers got advice, signed up for services, and felt seen. 
  (Adam Practice is one of our Carer Friendly GP practices!)

Across all events, Carers told us they valued the mix of practical advice, emotional support, and well-deserved time out. Many said they hadn’t realised what help was available – and several joined support services on the spot. 

As one Carer told us: 
“Yes, we have your Card – but I didn’t realise we could get this sort of support.” 

We’re proud of the impact made, both in person and online, and we’re already looking forward to building on this to ensure Carers feel supported, valued, and connected all year round. 

National Carers: Savings Across the UK 

Sailsbury business expo!  

Carer Money Matters

Carer Support Wiltshire- Free advice on energy saving, energy debt. Financial Wellbeing Officers can talk to about other money matters too.

NHS Talking Therapies

Self Referral for Carers

Remember to check out our calendars… 

Explore a range of events for Carers in Wiltshire. From support groups to informative sessions, there’s something for every Carer. Our What’s On calendar’s will tell you more...

As we mark Carers Week 2025, Forward Carers is celebrating the incredible unpaid Carers who support loved ones every day – and the communities stepping up to support them in return. 

This year’s Carers Week theme, “Putting Carers on the Map,” is a powerful reminder of how vital it is to recognise and support those who care – and that starts with our local communities. Carers are everywhere: they are our neighbours, our colleagues, our friends and our family members. Yet many go unrecognised and unsupported, simply because the people and places around them aren’t aware of the role they play. 

At Forward Carers, we believe that every Carer deserves to be seen, valued and supported – not just by services, but by the community around them. That’s why our Carer Friendly Communities work is so vital. 

🌍 What is a Carer Friendly Community? 

A Carer Friendly Community is one where unpaid Carers are recognised, respected and supported in everyday life – whether they’re visiting a GP, attending school, going to work, or popping into a local shop. 

Through our Carer Friendly Communities programme, Forward Carers works with: 

• Businesses and employers to become Carer Friendly Employers 

• Health and care professionals to spot and support Carers early 

• Community groups and local services to improve accessibility and understanding 

• Schools and colleges to support young and young adult Carers 

By building awareness and making small, meaningful changes, we help local organisations create inclusive environments where Carers feel seen and supported – without having to ask. 

🏆 Recognising Carer Friendly Champions 

Part of our mission is to celebrate and showcase the organisations that are making a real difference to Carers. From GP surgeries with dedicated Carer leads, to high street businesses offering flexible appointments or quiet spaces, we’ve seen incredible examples of inclusive practice in action. 

Our Carer Friendly ID Card Scheme and Carer Aware Training also help professionals to understand what it means to be Carer aware – and how they can help Carers access the right support at the right time. 

If your organisation would like to become more Carer Friendly, we’d love to support you. It’s free, flexible, and could make all the difference to someone who is caring in silence. 

💙 Carers Week: Let’s Put Carers on the Map – Together 

This Carers Week, we’re not just celebrating Carers – we’re calling on everyone in the community to take action. 

Whether you’re a school, shop, faith group, local employer or health provider, you can help create a more inclusive, compassionate community by becoming Carer Friendly. 

Together, we can ensure that Carers feel supported in every space they walk into – not just during Carers Week, but every week of the year. 

🔗 Find out more and get involved in our Carer Friendly Communities initiative at www.forwardcarers.org.uk  

Dementia Action Week, taking place from Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May 2025, is a national initiative led by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by organisations, communities, and individuals across the UK.
It is a vital opportunity to raise awareness, improve understanding, and inspire action to support those living with Dementia and the Carers who support them.

🧠 What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
There are many different types of Dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing — it is caused by diseases of the brain.
While it is more common in people over 65, younger people can also be affected.

Living with Dementia can be challenging, not just for the individual, but also for the family members and friends who take on caring responsibilities. Raising awareness and promoting understanding helps create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone affected.

💬 Why Dementia Action Week Matters

Dementia Action Week is about more than just raising awareness — it is about taking action.
By improving knowledge and understanding, we can tackle stigma, encourage early diagnosis, and ensure that those living with Dementia and their Carers have access to the support they need.

Key aims of Dementia Action Week include:

• Raising public understanding of what Dementia is and how it affects individuals and families.
• Encouraging people to seek help early if they are concerned about memory problems.
• Promoting Dementia-friendly communities, where people living with Dementia feel supported, understood, and included.
• Highlighting the vital role of unpaid Carers, who provide incredible support to loved ones living with Dementia.

🌍 How You Can Support Dementia Action Week

Everyone has a part to play in making a difference. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Learn more about Dementia: Take some time to understand the different types of Dementia and how they affect people.
• Start conversations: Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about Dementia to help normalise the conversation.
• Challenge misconceptions: Help tackle stigma by sharing accurate information and encouraging understanding.
• Support Carers: Acknowledge and appreciate the incredible work of those caring for someone living with Dementia.
• Promote kindness and patience: Small acts of patience and empathy can make everyday situations easier for someone living with Dementia.

Together, we can create a society that is more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for those living with Dementia and their Carers. Whilst a diagnosis can be life-changing, it does not define a person.
By working together, raising awareness, and taking positive action, we can build communities where everyone affected by Dementia feels valued, understood, and supported.

This week — and every week — let’s take action for a better future for people living with Dementia and those who care for them.

Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Championing Equality for Unpaid Carers

Carers Week 2025, taking place from 9–15 June, shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid Carers. This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, underscores the disparities and challenges carers face, including financial hardship, social isolation, and limited access to support services.

Understanding the Theme: Caring About Equality 

Unpaid Carers are the backbone of our society, providing essential care to family members, friends, and neighbours. Despite their significant contributions, many Carers experience inequalities that impact their health, finances, and opportunities.

Our Events and Activities for you

Forward Carers are putting on several events over Carers week. Some are available to book now and more will appear in early June.  

Rights at Work 

Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work & Financial Wellbeing. Join us for an informative online session exploring Carers leave and your rights in the workplace.  

Learn how the Carer’s Leave Act and other rights can support you as a working Carer. Find out how to approach conversations with your employer about your entitlements. Hear from expert guest speakers, including the Carer Money Matters Project, covering benefits, budgeting help, and local financial support. 

📅 Session Times on Microsoft Teams: 

Lunch & Learn: 1:00–1:45pm (plus 15 min Q&A)  

Evening : 7pm – 7,45pm (plus 15 min Q&A) 

Take a look at what else is happening here:  Calendly 

What’s on in Wiltshire

Explore a range of events for Carers in Wiltshire. From support groups to informative sessions, there’s something for every Carer.

You can also use these links for What’s On near you… 

Our Dorset Carers Week Events

Available to Wiltshire Carers too!

Join the Our Dorset community in celebrating Carers Week with a series of events aimed at recognising and supporting Carers across the region Carers Week 2025 – Our Dorset and we have some special events:  

Hiddens Gardens Event Blandford Forum. (In partnership with Forward Carers and Carer Support Dorset) 

Come and explore this fascinating Georgian gem, described as a “Little Bath in bricks”. Visit some very different gardens – Georgian to modern, large to courtyard, including ones not opened before. Refreshments available. Some plants will be available for sale. 

Cost – Free Entry to first 50 Carers and half price thereafter, with Carers ID Card. (usually £7.00) to visit all the gardens, accompanied under 18s free.

How to get tickets / programmes

Blandford Town Museum – Contact Us | Blandford Town Museum 

Location: Blandford’s Hidden Gardens | the National UK Open Gardens Directory