Carers Connection Spring/Summer 2024

Spring /Summer 2024

JOIN US FOR CARERS WEEK 2024

Take a Break

Short breaks grant opportunities

Make it Work

Employment law changes to benefit Carers

Welcome

In this issue...

Welcome to the latest edition of the Stirling Carers Centre magazine.

Carers Week 2024

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Short Breaks Fund

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In this issue, we're sharing plans for the upcoming Carers Week celebrations in June, important information on legislation affecting working carers, news from the 'A Scotland that Cares' campaign, highlights from our recent Kiltwalk fundraiser and updates from our Young Carers service, short breaks groups, and more.

Kiltwalk Update

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Asking Questions About Your Health

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CHAT Information Sessions

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Employment Law Changes

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Young Carers Update

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A New Season in the Carers' Garden

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Connecting with Dementia Carers

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e a QR Wherever you se ith your code, scan it to w blet to smartphone or ta find out more*.

Stirling Carers' Voice

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Parent Carers

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Take a Break Grants

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Try scanning this code to visit our website.

A Scotland That Cares

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Priority Services Register

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Short Breaks Groups

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We hope you enjoy reading this edition and find it helpful!

Get more from your mag!

*Scanning ability varies by device. If you would like to use the QR code function but do not know how, please contact us and we'll do our best to help.

...and more

10th - 16th June 2024 This year's Carers Week theme is 'Putting Carers on the map'. The campaign aims to get Carers on the radar of policy and decision makers to ensure that Carers are at the heart of new strategies and legislation.

Throughout the week, we'll be working to raise the profile of local Carers both online and in-person, and we've got a week full of events to help you celebrate with us.

Clackmanannshire & Stirling Health & Social Care partnership is also hosting a Celebration of Carers Day (see previous page) at Stirling Hotel. Drop in to meet some of the local support organisations, plus get a walking aid MOT and advice on falls prevention.

More information on the events can be found throughout the magazine, or visit the Carers Week page on our website: www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/ CarersWeek

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Carers Week Events Cared for person welcome Transport provided.

Monday Walking Group Plean Country Park 10.30am - 12pm CHAT: Carers' Rights with Coalition of Carers in Scotland Stirling Carers Centre 10.30am - 12pm Jupiter Artland Bus Trip Edinburgh 11.45am - 4pm Stirling & Online Yoga Session The Yoga Tree & Zoom 1.15pm - 2pm

Tuesday Male Carers Lunch The Birds & Bees, Stirling 1pm - 3pm

www.carersweek.org Wednesday Rural Yoga Session Killearn Village Hall 9.30am - 10.30am

Dementia Carers: Coffee & Chat with Age Scotland Stirling Carers Centre 2pm - 3.30pm

Killearn Group Lunch Killearn Village Hall 12pm - 2pm

Parent Carers: Jump 'N' Joy Tullibody 6pm - 8pm

Afternoon Tea Allan Park Hotel 2pm - 4pm

Friday

CHAT: Legal Support for Parent Carers with Caesar & Howie Solicitors Stirling Carers Centre & Online (Zoom) 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Thursday CHAT: Money Management with CAP Debt Help Stirling Carers Centre 10.30am - 12pm Callander, Killin & Lochearnhead Lunch Mhor 84, Balquhidder 12pm - 2pm

Rural Yoga Session Killearn Village Hall 9.30am - 10.30am Dementia Carers: Falkirk Wheel Trip Falkirk 10.45am - 3pm Chocolate Workshop with Thinking Chocolate Stirling Carers Centre 2pm - 4pm

BOOK FOR CARERS WEEK You can book for any events by visiting www.stirlingcarers. co.uk/whats-on or see the booking from inside the back cover.

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Celebration of Carers Day Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling Airthrey Road, Stirling FK9 4LA

5 th J u n e 2 0 2 4 11 am – 3 pm

Join us for a good chat, tea, coffee and biscuits Groups attending

Also attending Falls Prevention with Matthew Gallagher Do you use a walking aid? Get a free MOT! The ReACH Team will check your walking aid is the right height, in good condition and advise you if repairs are needed.

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Up to £300 to help you take a break that suits you.

Shared Carer Scotland's 'Time to Live' fund has reopened for 2024/25. Carers of any age can apply for up to £300 towards something to help you take a break in a way that suits you.

This could be a night away or a meal out, tickets to a sports event or concert, a gym membership, hobby equipment, or anything else that will help you take some time for yourself.

To be eligible to apply you must:

• have not received a Time to Live grant in the last 18 months (from the date on your previous break receipt).

• be in a current caring role

• live in the Stirling Council area Priority will be given to new applicants who have never received a grant.

Our team can support you to make an application. If you are not sure whether the break you have in mind would be eligible, get in touch with us.

Example Breaks • A night away • A meal out • Garden furniture or equipment • Gym membership • Gaming equipment • Hobby supplies or equipment • A TV/ tablet/ laptop, etc.

• Subscription to a streaming site/ magazine/ audio books • Musical instrument or equipment More suggestions and exclusions on our website

Apply online at www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/TimeToLive or contact the Centre for a hard copy.

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Congratulations to our Kiltwalk team who walked a combined total of over 280 miles and raised over

£5,800!

*

We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the team through donations and kind messages, and give a big shout out to all our team members:

Wee Wanderers: Isabell, Natalie, Tiegan, Ashley and Keeley

Mighty Striders: Jill, Suzann, Sam, Kirsty, Beth, Shannon, Esther, Keri, Carley, Colleen, Margaret, Laura, Denise and Shaunie.

*inc.. Gift Aid donations

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Top Fundraiser!

A big shout out to our magazine cover girl, Isabell (87), who walked the Wee Wander and raised over £600! Here she is just about to cross the finish line. What a fantastic achievement!

You can still support the team If you would like to donate to the team, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/ team/scckiltwalk2024 or scan the QR code. It all goes to the same place, so just choose a team member to support.

Donate

When you understand what’s going on with your health, you can make better decisions around your care and treatment.

That’s why it’s important to ask your healthcare team the right questions.

• What are the benefits of my treatment?

• What are the risks of my treatment?

• Any alternative treatments I can try?

• What if I do nothing?

Healthcare staff are more than happy to answer these and any other questions you may have.

Start feeling more informed about your health today and remember, it’s OK to ask.

To find out more visit nhsinform.scot/its-OK-to-ask

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CHAT is our programme of events aimed at equipping Carers with the knowledge and information to support you in your caring role.

Over Carers Week, we've got three CHAT sessions taking place.

Carers' Rights

Mon 10th June, 10.30am - 12pm

Legal Support for Parent Carers

Wed 12th June, 6.30 - 7.30pm

with the Coalition of Carers in Scotland

with Caesar & Howie Solicitors

The law in Scotland gives you certain rights as an unpaid Carer. Come along to find out more about them.

This session is aimed at parent Carers of children aged under 16 and is a chance to chat about your legal rights concerning you and your child.

This will be a hybrid session - join us in person or online via Zoom.

Money Management with CAP Debt Help

Thu 13th June, 10.30am - 12pm

Jay from CAP Debt Support will be visiting the Centre to have a chat about the Money Management and the support on offer if you are struggling with debt.

We can also offer 15 minute confidential slots with Jay to chat through your situation and look at how CAP could support you.

Book for any of the CHAT sessions on our website or on the booking form inside the back cover.

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Employment Law Changes To Benefit Carers Two new laws came into force on 6th April 2024 that can help unpaid Carers to balance employment with caring.

Carers Leave Act 2023 This Act grants employees who care for dependants with longterm needs an entitlement to one working week equivalent of unpaid leave annually to give, or arrange, care for a dependent.

This is a ‘day one’ right, meaning that all employees have the right to this from day one of employment.

Long-term needs is defined as:

• Anyone with a condition that meets the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010;

• Illness or injury (physical or mental) that requires or is likely to require care for more than three months, or; • Old age.

Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 This Act gives employees the right to request flexible working from day one of employment (rather than after 26 weeks, which is the current position). Flexible working includes working hours, times of work and location of work.

Employees can also make two requests in any 12-month period, up from one, and no longer have to explain the effect of the change requested. A decision must now be made within two months, down from three, however, the reasons why an employer can lawfully refuse a request remain unchanged.

If you would like support with approaching your employer about requesting these rights, contact our team on 01786 447003.

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NEW YC Groups!

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YC's in Schools

The YC groups at Stirling High School and St. Modan's have restarted, giving a dedicated space for Young Carers in these schools to meet with other YC's and some of our YC staff. Esther is also visiting lots of schools to give 'Carer Aware' presentations to staff and pupils, so say 'Hi' if you see her around.

New yc staff w to some of us, firstly because she's

n't seem ne condly because Cara maybe does November, and se ce sin us th wi ed ber, so she's been employ ming a staff mem co be re fo be r ee nt she was a YC volu us even longer! actually been with r the last Plus Forth Valley fo r fo ed rk wo s ha Cara with with young people two years, working volunteering t needs, as well as additional suppor got four Carers group. She's g un Yo en pp Ki r at ou d visiting velling, reading an kids and enjoys tra r kids. the beach with he scuba ara has been Interesting fact: C in Australia! at Barrier Reef re G e th in g in div 10

CARA

A huge thank you to the following for some fantastic Christmas gift donations: • • •

Over 150 gifts from Stirling Observer Give a Gift Appeal

160 selection boxes from The Church of Jesus Christ in Stirling & Alloa Stirling Castle Quilters for the beautiful hand made stockings

FEBRUARY 2024

Edinburgh Residential

During February half term we headed for an overnight trip to Edinburgh with ten of our Middle YC Group.

We went to a neon bowling alley and Gravity trampoline park as well as having a night at the theatre watching The Wizard of Oz.

Blackpool Residential Easter 2024 We had a fantastic couple of days in Blackpool, checking out loads of the attractions, such as the Sea Life Centre and the Pleasure Beach, plus bowling and escape rooms. We even had an adventure on the way home when all the trains were cancelled and we had to get a bus back to Glasgow!

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Young Carers Action Day 13th March 2024 This year's Young Carers Action Day we had loads going on to raise awareness of Young Carers and to celebrate all the amazing work you do.

Thanks to Creative Stirling and Made in Stirling for hosting a fantastic event to help us mark the day. Young Carers from across the Stirling area were invited to meet with creative professionals and learn about their craft. We had a chance to try a wide variety of activities including print making, animation, ceramics, illustration and character design, comic book art, DJ'ing, radio and podcasting, clothing design and weaving!

A big thank you to Evelyn Tweed MSP for inviting Esther, Cara and one of our volunteers, Robert, and his mum to the Scottish Parliament to hear the Young Carers Action Day debate, and for highlighting the work of Stirling Young Carers and the Young Carers we support.

Perth College also hosted a 'Pizza and Policy' Question Time event for older Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, which was a chance to have a chat with decision makers about what changes could be made to help Young Carers.

h Watch the video we made witent ev Creative Stirling at the YCAD 12

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Braehead Primary Cares

Braehead Primary Congratulations to ' g their 'We Develop School for achievin level of the We Care Award, the second imary is one of only Awards. Braehead Pr ole of Scotland to four schools in the wh award so far! have achieved this azing work they are It highlights the am ung Carers and their doing to support Yo r dedicated group fo families, including a school.

Parent Carers at the Council area who hools in the Stirling sc e th l al of d ou pr We Care We're so wards their first level to g in rk wo e ar or g Young have achieved mitment to supportin m co eir th e se to g Awards. It amazin ol communities.

Carers in their scho

A New Season in the Carers' Garden After over five years in Bridge of Allan, Stirling Carers' Garden has made the move to a new location in Braehead Allotments.

The new space offers lots more opportunities for Carers to take advantage of the space, which includes both indoor and outdoor planting areas, chickens, bees, wetland area, community events and, most importantly, toilets and place to make a cuppa!

Our Young Carers team is already making plans to use the space for upcoming sessions, and we'll be visiting with some of our adult groups over the next few months.

Colleen, Young Carers Officer, visiting the garden

We're excited to start using the facilities and get involved with all the fantastic work going on at Braehead Community Garden. If you'd like to get involved, contact the Centre for a chat.

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Our Dementia Carers Group has been running for almost a year now, and we've just secured funding to keep this going and develop it further.

The group provides a space for Carers of people living with dementia to share experiences and hear from local and national support services and organisations. It's open to anyone aged 16+ caring for someone living with dementia or suspected dementia.

The group usually meets on the last Friday of the month at Riverside Bowling Club in

Stirling, with representatives from local and national support organisations coming along to share about their services. Over the last few months we've had visits from NHS Scotland, Age Scotland and Alzheimer's Scotland, and we're looking forward to the upcoming events: Playlist for Life: Music Therapy for Dementia 31st May, 1.30-3.30pm Falkirk Wheel (Carers Week) 14th June, 10.45am-3pm Town Break support services 26th July, 1.30-3.30pm Book for any of these events through our website or contact the Centre on 01786 447003.

NEXT MEETING: Thu 27th June 10.30-12.30 Stirling Carers' Voice is our Carers' forum - a place to come and discuss issues affecting Carers at a local and national level, feedback on consultations, speak with representatives from a range of organisations, and share experiences with other Carers.

Our upcoming meeting will be available both in-person (venue to be confirmed) and online via Zoom.

Register on our website or on the booking form inside the back cover

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Our Parent Carers Group is back, and we've got some great events coming up including:

Jump 'N' Joy Blairdrummond Safari Park 13th Jun 6-8pm

6th Aug 11am-4pm

Hollywood Pumpkin Picking Bowl (10+) October 25th Sep 6-8pm

Date & Time to be confirmed

The Parent Carers Group is for parents or guardians who care for a child aged 16 or under. All events are open to parent Carers, cared for children and siblings.

Book on our website or contact the Centre on 01786 447003.

Take a Break Scotland Grant Scheme Now Open Take a Break provides cash grants to Carers of disabled children and young people, aged 0 to 20, who have complex additional support needs. The grant can be used towards things like day trips, a short break away, an additional carer, travel costs, clubs and activities.

The scheme aims to improve unpaid Carer’s quality of life, health and well-being by supporting them in accessing a break from the day-to-day routine of caring. It is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Family Fund charity.

Find out more and apply online by visiting the Take a Break website: takeabreakscotland.org.uk

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Scotland is making a world-leading commitment to Carers.

Change must follow.

The Scottish Government has proposed a new, dedicated National Outcome on care.

Once finalised it will make Scotland one of the first countries in the world to make such an explicit and comprehensive commitment to driving and transparently measuring progress on how care and, crucially, those who look after someone, are valued.

The proposed National Outcome on Care states ‘We are cared for as we need throughout our lives and value all those providing care’.

The campaign, backed by Carers across Scotland, was

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The Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework (NPF) includes eleven National Outcomes which it says describe ‘the kind of Scotland’ it wishes to create.

However, there is currently no Outcome on care, a glaring omission which 'A Scotland That Cares' sought to change during the Government’s recent review led by the Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison.

launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when people and many politicians took to their doorsteps to ‘clap for carers’ and other key workers. Since then, the campaign has shown how the undervaluation of all forms of care is leaving too many people who look after someone, particularly women, to pay a deep financial and personal price, including poverty and burn-out.

As well as covering care at all stages of a person’s life, the new National Outcome will cover everyone with caring responsibilities in Scotland; from Unpaid Carers looking after friends and family,

including Young Carers, to parents looking after children and paid social care and childcare workers.

The creation of a new National Outcome on care comes as public support for Carers remains high, with polling showing nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults in Scotland back a new National Outcome on care. It has already attracted support from multiple political parties.

'A Scotland That Cares' says the new Outcome must be underpinned by robust practical, measurable policies; adequate funding; and meaningful support systems that make a tangible difference to the daily lives of Carers.

Campaigners are urging MSPs from across the political spectrum to back the new National Outcome while ensuring that Scotland’s 13 proposed National Outcomes have more weight in driving policy and spending decisions across all levels of government.

Find out more about the A Scotland that Cares campaign at www.ascotlandthatcares.org

“Carers, whether paid or unpaid, are the backbone of our society, providing essential support and compassion to those in need.

For too long, their tireless efforts have gone unseen and unappreciated, resulting in carers often facing burn out and poverty.

The Scottish Government’s landmark new commitment to carers is a positive step towards ensuring that carers of all kinds receive the recognition and resources they urgently need and deserve.”

- Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland “The First Minister must ensure the proposed National Outcome on Care is worth the paper it’s written on by delivering rapid and transformative changes that boost investment in care and give carers the support they need."

- Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland

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Working Age Carer Group Thanks to funding, we now have a new evening group for Carers aged 17-65. Join us for our first two events:

Are You Ready To Vote?

A UK General Election has been announced for 4th July 2024.

Pizza Class

As this is a UK election and not for Scottish Parliament or local councils, you will need to show photographic ID to be able to vote.

Pizza Express, Stirling Thu 18th July, 6-8pm

Accepted forms of photo ID include:

Fringe Comedy Night Edinburgh Fri 23rd August, 7pm-late Priority for these events will be given to Carers who are unable to make daytime events due to work or caring commitments.

Book on our website or complete the form inside the back cover.

• Passport • Photo driving licence • Concessionary travel pass • Blue Badge • National Entitlement/ Young Scot Card A full list of accepted forms of photo ID is available on the UK Government website.

If you do not have accepted photo ID, no longer look like the photo on your ID or the name on your photo ID is different to your name on the electoral register, you may need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

You can do this for free online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photoid-voter-authority-certificate or call Stirling Council Election Office on 01786 233068.

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Priority Services Register The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra help during power cuts or when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.

Joining the PSR helps your utility companies to provide adapted services, adjust communications and make amendments to keep you safe, such as setting up a password scheme and providing advance warning of planned interruptions to electricity, gas or water supplies.

You are eligible for free PSR Services if you: • Use medical equipment reliant on electricity • Are blind or partially sighted • Are deaf or hard of hearing • Have a chronic illness

• Have anxiety, depression or any other mental health condition • Have a disability • Are over 60

• Live with children under five

• Temporarily need extra support • Need documents translated into another format or language

To join the PSR, contact your utility suppliers or visit psrscotland.com

Jupiter Artland Trip

Join us in Carers Week for a trip to Jupiter Artland sculpture park in Edinburgh. The site features dozens of sculptures and artworks, including the iconic 'Cells of Life' (pictured).

Transport from Stirling and packed lunch provided. Book on our website, inside the back cover or contact the Centre.

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Short Breaks Groups Stirling Carers Centre runs regular groups and activities to give you a chance to take time out from your caring role and are always free to join.

Unless otherwise stated, activities are open to all Carers aged 16+.

You can find a full calendar of upcoming events on our website, or contact the Centre for a paper copy.

Book Group • First Thursday • 10.30am, in the Centre Chat about the book of the month over a cuppa.

Upcoming: 6th June - 'The Island of Missing Trees' by Elif Shafak

Cuppa Chat • Third Friday • 10.30am, in the Centre Coffee morning in the Centre - no need to book.

Upcoming: 21st June; 19th July

Male Carers Group • First Tuesday • Times & venue vary Specifically for men in a caring role.

Upcoming: 5th June - Axe throwing; 2nd July - Lawn bowls

Walking Group • Alternate Mondays • 10.30am, route varies Gentle walks around the local area.

Upcoming: 10th June; 24th June; 8th July

My Time • Last Thursday • 6pm, venue varies Evening events with varied activities.

Upcoming: 27th June - Lawn Bowls

Yoga

Stirling & Online (The Yoga Tree) • Mondays • 1.15pm Killearn (Endrick Yoga) • Wednesdays & Fridays • 9.30am

Visit www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/whats-on, call 01786 447003 or 20 complete and return the enquiry form opposite to book.

Interested?

Use this page to let us know you're interested in any of the things in this magazine. Post it to the address overleaf, or take a photo and either email it to info@ stirlingcarers.co.uk or WhatsApp it to 07570 270 141.

I am interested in:

OTHER

REGULAR GROUPS

F F F F F

F F F F F F F F F

Book Group Carer Lunches Cuppa Chat Connecting with Dementia Carers Male Carers Group My Time Parent Carers Group Walking Group Working Age Carers Group

Scan to book online

Stirling Carers' Voice Yoga Sessions Complementary Therapies Forth Valley Carers Card Other:

Your Details Name:

Best contact number:

CARERS WEEK EVENTS F Afternoon Tea F Callander, Killin & Lochearnhead Lunch F CHAT: Carers' Rights F CHAT: Legal Support for Parent Carers F CHAT: Money Management F Chocolate Workshop F Dementia Carers: Coffee & Chat F Dementia Carers: Falkirk Wheel Trip F Jupiter Artland Trip F Killearn Lunch F Male Carers Lunch F Parent Carers: Jump 'N' Joy

Email address:

F I would like to receive the monthly bulletin by email The information you provide will be used for events management and mailing purposes. Your information is kept in accordance with data protection legislation, stored securely, and never shared with a third party without your consent or unless we are required by law to do so. *Please note that places on some events are limited, and may be allocated on a needs basis.

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y Carers C

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Name:

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Jane McD

Date: Card Expiry mber: Carer ID Nu

31/10/2024 SC1123

Have you got your

Forth Valley Carers Card?

The Forth Valley Carers Card is designed to help you identify yourself as a Carer to Health and Social Care Professionals and be more involved in care planning.

Apply for a free card on our website by visiting

www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/carers-card or contact the Centre.

If you have received this magazine by post it means that you are subscribed to Stirling Carers Centre’s mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time by calling or emailing the Centre on the details below.

Monday-Friday | 9am-4pm Kintail House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ 01786 447003 | info@stirlingcarers.co.uk Also available in accessible formats, including large print. Call 01786 447003 or email media@stirlingcarers.co.uk to request a copy.

www.stirlingcarers.co.uk Carers Forum Stirling Area t/a Stirling Carers Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee no. SC165487 and Registered Charity no. SC020213