Unpaid Carers Bulletin
Carers’ Week 2026 (June 8th – June 14th)
If you care, unpaid, for a friend or family member, who is a person with a disability, has physical or mental ill health or a person with a substance use disorder, you are an unpaid carer.
Carers’ Week, taking place from 8-14 June 2026, is a UK-wide awareness campaign looking to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
The theme for Carers Week 2026 is Building Carer Friendly Communities. This will highlight the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere.
Click here to visit Carers Week 2026 – Building Carer Friendly Communities website
Carers Week celebration and information fayre
Date and time: Thursday 11th June, 11:00am - 13:30pm: Penarth Leisure Centre, Andrew Rd, Penarth, CF64 2NS.
This event is being delivered in partnership by Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council and TuVida. We would like to invite unpaid carers and members of the public to express their interest in attending.
The event will offer an opportunity to:
Find out about local support and services
Connect with organisations across Cardiff and the Vale
Access information, advice and wellbeing support
Take part in a range of taster activities designed to support health and wellbeing
Complimentary Afternoon Tea for unpaid carers
If you are interested in attending, please complete the expression of interest form below.
Carers Week Event Expression of Interest for 11/06/2026 – Fill in form
If you have any questions, please contact: valecarershub@tuvida.org or carediff@cardiff.gov.uk or call 02921 921024. We look forward to welcoming you.
Carers Week Special Event: Afternoon Tea – 9 June at 12:30pm
To celebrate Carers Week 2026, the Parents Federation are hosting an Afternoon Tea at The Gathering Place, St Athan. This is a free event for unpaid carers over 18 and an opportunity to treat yourself, meet other carers, and celebrate the incredible work you do.
We run regular events to bring carers together, offering relaxation, connection, and fun. These include:
Monthly Lunches – A chance to socialise and unwind.
Crafting Sessions - Monthly craft sessions.
Pedal Power – Gentle cycling sessions to promote wellbeing.
Evening Meals – A relaxed way to meet other carers over good food.
The booking for the Afternoon Tea is here
For more information ring 02920 565917 or email: admin@parentsfed.org
What is Keeping Me Well?
Keeping Me Well is designed by clinicians and service users from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The information on this website will help support your health and wellbeing — whether you are preparing for treatment, recovering from treatment, managing a long-term condition or looking to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. Click Home - Keeping Me Well to find out more.
Carers Information and Support Programme (CRiSP)
Do you care for someone with dementia?
Join our free four week CRISP at Ty Hapus CIO, Breaksea Drive, Barry, CF62 5TN.
To find out more and book your place email: cardiffandvalecrisp@alzheimers.org.uk or ring: 07718 421882
Course overview
The course is delivered in 4 sessions over 4 weeks. Each session is 2 hours long.
Session 1: Understanding dementia Session; 2: Providing support & care; Session 3: Legal issues & money matters; Session 4: Coping day to day
Dates: Wednesday 3, 10, 17 & 24 June 2026 11:00am — 13:00pm
Participants are limited to no more than 10. Due to the sensitive nature of the course, having a smaller more intimate group, gives a more relaxed, informal approach, allowing more time for carers to share, if they choose to, their experiences.
We ask that people commit to attending at least 3 of the 4 sessions in order to benefit the most from the Information Programme.
Open Day: Vale of Glamorgan
Funded by the The Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Family Support Service aims to increase the wellbeing of adult unpaid carers who care for family members or loved ones who have been impacted by mental ill-health.
Join us at the Adferiad Open Day for an inspiring opportunity to connect, learn about our life-changing support services, and celebrate community, wellbeing, and recovery together.
Where: YMCA BARRY Court Road Barry Vale of Glamorgan CF63 4EE
When: 1.30pm - 3.30pm on Friday 5th June 2026
Contact Us: beata.zygmunt@adferiad.org
Adferiad will be hosting a special Carers’ Week Information Stand
Wednesday 10 June between 10am - 1pm in the reception area of Hafan y Coed, Llandough Hospital, Penarth CF64 2XX.
Both our Project Workers, Lydia and Nerys, and a member of the Patient Experience Team, will be available to provide information which could make a big difference in your caring role.
This is a drop-in session, so please feel able to come along during these times.
Valeways
Walking has proven benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, and many people who join Valeways say the social connection is just as important as the exercise.
Valeways offers a wide range of free guided walks, from gentle strolls to longer countryside routes, all led by experienced volunteers in a welcoming and supportive environment.
For unpaid carers, finding time for yourself can often be difficult, but even a short walk and a friendly chat can make a real difference.
As well as regular walks, Valeways’ volunteers help keep local footpaths clear and accessible through its popular “Walk and Clear” activities. Many participants enjoy the sense of purpose, companionship, and achievement that comes from helping care for the local environment.
To find out more about upcoming walks and activities visit us hereor call 01446 749 000
In support of Carers Week, on 10 June 2026, we are proud to be hosting a carer friendly session...Valeways Strollers
Join us for a friendly and gentle “strollers” walk*, both taking place in Carers Week, at either Cosmeston Lakes or in Llantwit Major. Unpaid carers and those they look after are welcome – perfect for a steady sociable outing.
The walk will last around 1 hour and is approximately 2 miles long.
* Please note that everybody walks at their own risk. Our insurance is a public liability policy not an accident insurance policy.
Meet-up details
Time:10:30am
Starting point:Outside Visitor Centre, Cosmeston Lakes, Lavernock Road, CF64 5UY.
Note: free parking will be available any unpaid carers attending this strollers walk; please make yourself known when you arrive outside the visitor centre.
Contact: Owen 07789 663436
Meet-up details:
Time: 14:30pm
Starting point: Outside the Town Hall, Llantwit Major, CF61 1SD
Contact: Alan 07551 620326
MeTime Sessions (Wales)
Our MeTime online sessions are designed to inform you of your rights and to support your wellbeing. Sessions vary from practical advice on carers' rights and caring to a set of holistic wellbeing sessions that range from confidence-building to creative opportunities like crafting.
Tuesday 9 June1-2pm: Mindfulness with Liz at Mindfulness Wales
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and explore how simple mindfulness techniques can make a real difference to your wellbeing.
Thursday 11 June, 12:30-1:30pm: You're Not Alone - Finding Support in Your Community
Caring for someone can be rewarding — but at times, it can also be overwhelming. If you're an unpaid carer, it's easy to feel like you're facing it all on your own. This friendly online session is here to help.
Find information and how to book on the sessions on our website here
Live Well Age Well
A 6-week course to help you stay active, stay connected, stay strong.
The Live Well, Age Well course has been co-produced by community members and professionals, to support people to live well as they age.
We can’t stop the ageing process but there are things that we can do now to help us to age well. We can make choices that improve our ability to maintain an active life, to do the things we enjoy, and to spend quality time with loved ones.
Invest in your Health now for a healthier future
This is a free 6-week NHS course to help you stay active, stay connected, stay strong.
Click hereto visit Live Well Age Well website
Relaxed Concert for unpaid carers
There is a special concert in a supportive environment for those with additional learning needs and their unpaid carers.
When: Thursday June 25th, starting at 10.30am
Where: Penarth Pier Pavilion, CF64 3AU
Please reserve your seathere
Please note there is no need to maintain silence or keep still during this performance.
We feel passionately that the power of live music should be able to be experienced by all, and we particularly welcome those with additional learning needs, their carers, and their families.
Email info@penarthchambermusicfestival.org.uk
Support for people affected by someone else’s alcohol and/or drug use
Recovery Cymru is a peer-led recovery community working across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, offering groups, activities and community support throughout the year.
The Family and Friends Programme plays an important role in ensuring that those who look after someone affected by addiction or recovery are supported and do not have to face challenges alone.
The Programme offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental support to anyone affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use - whether they are currently using substances, in recovery, or where contact with them has broken down or ended.
It is peer-led and shaped by lived experience, creating a safe and understanding space where unpaid carers can speak openly without fear of judgement. Support is available through one-to-one recovery coaching, telephone and by email, practical guidance during difficult situations, and dedicated groups for family and friends.
A regular drop-in session is also held at the Health Hwb Barry, 10 High Street, Barry, CF62 7DZ - giving people the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand their experiences.
For more information:
Phone number: 02920 227019 or 079 4485 1050
Email:info@recoverycymru.org.uk / familyandfriends@recoverycymru.org.uk
Short Breaks Scheme Wales
The Short Breaks Scheme is the grant fund for third sector organisations delivering personalised, flexible and creative short breaks to unpaid carers in Wales.
A range of break options to meet the diverse communities of Wales have been funded through this programme. These aim to improve carer resilience and wellbeing and to support the sustainability of the carer’s caring relationship.
The scheme was set to run until 2026, but thanks to further investment from Welsh Government, it will now run for an extra three years, until the end of March 2029. Carers Trust Wales, the national coordinating body of the scheme, provides grants to organisations that will enable more than 60,000 unpaid carers to take a break by 2029.
To apply for a short break, unpaid carers should contact their local provider directly.
TuVida Carers Financial Wellbeing Service
The TuVida Carers Financial Wellbeing Service provides financial support and education to unpaid carers living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Our team of Financial Wellbeing Officers are here to help unpaid carers with a variety of problems which may arise due to the nature of their caring role. We can with any of the following:
Benefit Checks using https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
My Money Matters Financial Service - Our team will help to create a financial support plan, individual to each carer, which will outline benefits, grants and other support options that could be relevant.
Application Assistance - Should you need to make any applications following the development of the support plan, our team can assist with forms and documentation. Our team can also direct you to specialist services for further support.
For more information about the Financial Wellbeing Service, please contact us:
Email: financialwellbeingservice@tuvida.org
Website - Financial Wellbeing Service
Facebook - Financial Wellbeing Service
Source: UnpaidCarers (Vale of Glamorgan Council)