October Newsletter 2026

Welcome to your October Carer Friendly Newsletter!  

As the days get a little shorter and autumn settles in, we hope you can find a few moments for yourself with this month’s newsletter. 

Inside, you’ll find the latest news for unpaid Carers, new discounts and offers, local activities and opportunities, and information to help you in your caring role. We’re also sharing a very special poem written by a Carer, reflecting honestly on the impact caring can have on our lives, relationships and sense of self. 

Whether you’re here to find some useful support, save a little money, discover something new or simply enjoy a quiet read with a cuppa, we hope there’s something here for you. 

From all of us at Forward Carers, we hope you have a lovely October.  

Featured Business

Salisbury Cathedral: Free entry for Carers and anyone living in SP1-SP5 postcode areas 

Enjoy the serenity and splendour of this stunning Cathedral, gaze up at Britain’s tallest spire, explore Britain’s largest Cathedral Close and Cloisters, see the world’s oldest mechanical clock and the best-preserved original 1215 Magna Carta – all in one beautiful place. 

Carers are admitted for free – just tell the staff at the front desk you are a Carer. Anyone living in the SP1-SP5 postcode areas can also visit for free, but you will need to provide evidence of your address. 

The Cathedral asks visitors to check before they visit in case the Cathedral is closed for an event.  

Poetry Corner

Lost by Elizabeth Drake (unpaid Carer)

I’ve lost someone to dance with  

I’ve lost the person I walked up hills with 

I’ve lost the one who swam in the sea with me 

I’ve lost the retirement we planned  

I’ve lost the chance to childmind any grandchildren  

I’ve lost weekends away with the girls  

I’ve lost the chance to leave the driving to you  

I’ve lost someone to put the bins out 

I’ve lost the person who went in the loft 

I’ve lost the chance to cuddle on the sofa 

I’ve lost the person who held the door for me 

I’ve lost someone to empty the dishwasher when I’m tired 

I’ve lost the person that made me a coffee 

I’ve lost the chance to have a bath 

I’ve lost the person that would nip to the shops 

I’ve lost someone to help with the shopping  

I’ve lost long haul holidays  

I’ve lost short haul holidays  

I’ve lost spontaneity 

I’ve lost confidence  

I’ve lost the future  

I’ve lost us 

I’ve lost myself  

I’ve lost out 

Wiltshire Connect Bus Service  

Just in case you aren’t aware of it yet, there’s a bus service which is being launched in various rural parts of the county. It provides flexible travel and you can book rides that pick you up and drop you off at different locations using your phone.   

News Stories 

Carer’s Allowance Review – What Carers Need to Know 

Thousands of unpaid Carers affected by historic Carer’s Allowance overpayments could have debts reduced, cancelled or refunded as part of a major Government review. 

More than 200,000 cases are being reassessed following concerns about unclear earnings guidance. Carers do not currently need to take action – DWP is reviewing affected cases. 

Read the Government Guidance

Could paid Carer’s Leave be coming? 

The Government’s consultation on employment rights for unpaid Carers closed on 1st September where they have been reviewing employment rights for unpaid Carers, including options for strengthening Carer’s Leave.  

Carers UK is calling for a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave, helping more people balance work and caring without having to sacrifice income. The TUC has called for workers to receive 10 days’ paid Carer’s Leave from day one of employment.  

We’ll be keeping tabs on this as it progresses and we’ll let you know when we find out more.