Connecting Carers

31/08/2026

Five years of volunteering is certainly something worth celebrating! 🎉

To mark this special milestone, Pam was gifted a voucher for a meal at her favourite restaurant, a little thank you for the time, kindness and commitment she has given to Connecting Carers and the support she has provided to unpaid Carers across Highland over the past five years.

Pam decided to save her vouchers for a special occasion, using them to celebrate her anniversary with her husband, Sandy. We hope they had a wonderful time enjoying a well-deserved meal together!

We’re so grateful to have Pam as part of the team and for all she has given over the past five years. Here’s to many more!

28/08/2026

The Scottish Government is inviting people across Scotland to share their views on social prescribing through an online survey and conversation.

Social prescribing connects people with local community support, such as activities, groups, welfare advice, volunteering opportunities, physical activity and cultural programmes. It helps people access the non-medical support they need to improve their wellbeing alongside health and social care services.

Whether you have used this type of support before or not, your views will help shape the future direction of social prescribing in Scotland.

Take part here: https://comhairle.scot/conversations/0a9d60c8-526b-4cbc-9df0-cae5db87b946/invite/fb8e9a17-b1cb-4a21-8a38-416ff3dc95c9

26/08/2026

We’re already missing being out and about with our Young Carers and making the most of summer!

Here are some great action shots from our trip to Hollywood Bowl! Young Carers who were getting ready to make the move from primary to secondary had a great time bowling, while also getting to know others who will be starting at their new schools.

We also enjoyed our second two-day football camp with ICT Trust, with Young Carers getting stuck into all things football and enjoying plenty of time on the pitch.

It really has been a brilliant summer, and we’re already looking forward to our October Programme!

If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at what’s coming up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/GDiccUudgg

24/08/2026

September is nearly here!

Take a look at our events calendar to see what’s coming up, with plenty of opportunities to get involved, enjoy some time for yourself and connect with others.

Save the dates, visit our website to find out more and book your place.

https://connectingcarers.org.uk/activities-events/

19/08/2026

We hope all Young Carers across Highland had a great first day back at school! We’re especially thinking of those who have made the big move from primary to secondary school, and hope you had a positive start to this exciting new chapter.

We’re excited to share that the next couple of months are packed with opportunities for Young Carers to take some time for themselves, perhaps try something new and enjoy a well-deserved break from their caring role.

🟣Young Carer Clubs return in September, find your local Club here: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/SQAvdBTrrmXUOuVG

🔵 Inverness & Perth Young Carer Meet-Up (Ages 12-16) -
We have two exciting opportunities to meet with PKAVS Perth Young Carers and enjoy some time together in Inverness.

Monday 7th September, 4pm–5pm: Join us at Shakes 'n' Cakes for some tasty treats and a chance to get to know each other.

Tuesday 8th September, 5pm-6pm: Enjoy some ten-pin bowling and a quick bite to eat while having a bit of friendly competition at Hollywood Bowl.

Sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/nVM78yy2St

🟣 Glenmore Outdoor Residential (Ages 14-18) - September, Registration Deadline: 23:59pm Wednesday 19th August
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/70tYV1rJWP

🔵Young Carers October Programme (Ages 5-17) - Registration Deadline 23:59 Sunday 13th September
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/GDiccUudgg

🟣Young Adult Carers October Programme (Ages 17-24) - Registration Deadline 23:59 Sunday 13th September
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/92HDvE5pZg

Interested in getting involved? Follow the link to any of the events above for more information and to register.

17/08/2026

The Coalition of Carers in Scotland are inviting unpaid Carers to share their experiences and views on proposed changes to employment rights.

If you’re a working Carer, or have experience of balancing work and caring, this is an opportunity to have your say and help shape the response to the UK Government’s consultation.

Take a look at the Coalition of Carers’ event below for more information.

Join us on Friday and help shape our response to the UK Government's consultation on potential changes to employment rights for unpaid carers, and for parents of seriously ill children including:

- giving carers more unpaid time off work
- letting carers take a longer break from work and still have their job to come back to
- introducing paid time off for carers
- a new type of leave and pay for parents of seriously ill children, called Hugh’s Law

This is a real chance to help shape what support carers can get from employers in the future, and we'd love to hear your views.

Our session is from 10am until 11.30am.

To read more and to book your free place for the session, just click the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/consultation-event-work-and-caring-tickets-1998217529421

[Image description: the text reads: 'have your say on employment rights and caring. Friday twenty first of August, online via zoom']

15/08/2026

Our very first 2-day Summer Football Club with the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Community Development was a huge success!

Over two action-packed days,, Young Carers enjoyed football training, mini matches and plenty of opportunities to try something new. From creating comics and decorating biscuits to parachute games, music quizzes, and even trying their hand at lawn bowls, there really was something for everyone.

Most importantly, this club gave Young Carers the chance to build confidence, make new friends and simply have fun together during the summer holidays.

💬 "This has helped my confidence so much!"

💬 "I enjoyed making new friends from other schools and trying new things."

A huge thank you to the ICT Community Trust for delivering such fantastic sessions, to the wonderful volunteers at Waterloo Bowling Club for introducing our Young Carers to lawn bowls, and to everyone who helped provide food and support throughout the two days. Your kindness and generosity made this experience so special.

We can't wait for more summer adventures next week!

14/08/2026

Are you a Young Carer aged 14–18?

Take a break and join us for two nights of outdoor adventure in the stunning Cairngorms! Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, abseiling, rock climbing and hill walking, all led by expert instructors.

It’s your time to relax, recharge, and experience the adventure you deserve. Spaces are limited so don’t miss out!

For more information and to sign up please visit: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/70tYV1rJWP

12/08/2026

Do you look after or support someone, such as a family member, friend, or neighbour?

Take a well-deserved break and join us for a relaxing Wellbeing Day, a one-day mini retreat created especially for unpaid Carers.

Enjoy the chance to step away from the demands of everyday life, reconnect with yourself, and spend time with others who understand the caring role. The day includes a gentle nature walk, a delicious lunch and friendly chat, a creative mosaic workshop, and a calming relaxation and mindfulness session.

Leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and reminded that your wellbeing matters too. We’d love you to join us for a day of connection, creativity, and self-care.

Book your place and discover more upcoming events on our website: https://connectingcarers.org.uk/activities-events/

10/08/2026

What an incredible time we had at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival!

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our wellbeing tent in the Walled Garden. It was wonderful to see so many people taking time to relax, recharge and connect, creating such a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the festival.

From peaceful meditation sessions to energising yoga and mindful movement, our workshops were a fantastic success. A special thank you goes to our amazing facilitators, Angie, Lisa and Meg, for leading such inspiring sessions, and to Gemma for providing her wonderful massages. We’re also incredibly grateful to all of our staff and volunteers whose hard work made the weekend possible.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised £200 in donations to support unpaid Carers across Highland. Just as importantly, we had the opportunity to raise awareness of our services and connect with so many wonderful people.

Thank you for making Belladrum 2026 one to remember. We already can't wait to see you all again next year!