Carers Week 2025: Join Us in Celebrating Our Unpaid Carers
Carers Week 2025 is just around the corner, and CoWL are excited to share our plans for this important week.
Running from June 9th to 15th, Carers Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of unpaid carers and young carers in Scotland. Many people don’t realise they are carers, meaning they often miss out on the help and benefits available to them. That’s why it’s so important to spread the word and ensure carers in our community know about the support from CoWL and other local services.
This year, the theme is "Caring About Equality", highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers and the vital role they play in our communities.
Why Carers Week Matters
Carers Week is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the challenges unpaid carers face and the immense value they bring to society. Unpaid carers provide essential care to family members and friends, often at great personal sacrifice. Their efforts are invaluable, with the economic value of unpaid care in Scotland estimated at a staggering £5.9 billion. Despite their crucial role, many carers feel undervalued and unsupported, facing financial hardship, social isolation, and health issues. Carers Week aims to shine a light on these challenges and advocate for better support and recognition for carers.
A Brief History of Carers Week
Carers Week has a rich history dating back to the 1980s when the concept began to take shape. It became a national campaign in the early 2000s, supported by charities like Carers UK and Age UK. Over the years, Carers Week has focused on various themes, from young carers to the impact of the pandemic, each highlighting different aspects of caregiving. This year's theme, "Caring About Equality," emphasizes the need for a fairer society where carers have the same opportunities and life chances as everyone else.
The Impact of Unpaid Carers
Unpaid carers are the backbone of our health and social care systems, providing care that would otherwise cost billions. They often juggle their caregiving responsibilities with work, education, and personal lives, making significant sacrifices along the way. The impact of unpaid carers on society is profound, yet their contributions are often overlooked. Carers Week is a chance to recognize their efforts and advocate for better support and resources.
“Carers Week is a vital opportunity for us to acknowledge the incredible efforts of unpaid carers in our community. The dedication and care they provide each day is an inspiration, and it’s our mission to ensure they receive the support and recognition they deserve. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Carers Week 2025 and to see firsthand the difference that carers make in our society.”
CoWL's Activities for Carers Week 2025
We have a fantastic line-up of activities planned for Carers Week 2025, designed to support and celebrate our carers:
Monday: Health and Social Care
Brrrrrrrr…. Start the week with a Cold Water Therapy Session, offering carers the chance to experience the benefits of cold water therapy in a safe environment.Tuesday: Financial Wellbeing
Join us for Carers Come Together in Broxburn (at Broxburn United Sport Club, 10:30am–12:00pm), a social and peer support event where carers can meet others and access local support. We'll also have an information stand at ASDA with the Advice Shop offering financial advice and support. Young carers will also participate in a group session to discuss financial supports like grants and the Young Scot Card.Wednesday: Work and Employment
Our Carers Coffee Morning (at Sycamore House, Livingston – 10:00am–11:30am) is a chance for carers to share their experiences, get support from our team, and take a break from their caring role. We'll also have experts from Access 2 Employment available to provide advice on balancing work and caregiving, along with colleagues from the West Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership. We also host an Online Coffee Morning on Zoom (11:45am-12:30am) for anyone unable to make it to Livingston. Finally, we’re heading over to visit our friends at Sky on Wednesday lunchtime, to offer a unpaid carers drop-in and a managers workshop.Thursday: Young Carers
Armadale Carers Cuppa & Chat (Colinshiel Court, 10:30am–12:00pm) offers social and peer support for carers in Armadale and surrounding areas. We'll also have support staff available in Whitburn Locality (bookable appointments at Xcite Whitburn) to assist carers and disabled people. Young carers can join the Siblings Group for activities and discussions. Additionally, we have a MIST drop-in session at Xcite Bathgate (11:00am–12:00pm, where we’ll be joined by Community Connections), providing an opportunity for carers supporting people living with dementia to connect with health and social care professionals. AND we’re off to visit Edinburgh Zoo with our Young Carers.Friday: Older Carers
Support staff will be available in Winchburgh Locality (bookable appointments at Winchburgh Parish Church) to offer assistance to older carers and disabled people. This day focuses on the unique challenges faced by older carers and provides resources to help them manage their responsibilities.Saturday: Mental Health and Wellbeing
Visit our information stand at Morrisons Almondvale (10:00am–2:00pm) to learn more about the challenges carers face and the support available. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing among carers.Sunday: Round Up
We'll wrap up the week with a family Innoflate session, providing a fun and relaxing environment for carers and their families. This is a great opportunity to connect with others and celebrate the end of Carers Week.
We invite all unpaid carers and anyone that supports the work of CoWL to join us for these events, connect with others, and access the support they deserve. We’re not just busy during Carers Week - we’re here every week of the year! Take a look at our event calendar below for more ways to connect.
Get in touch if you’d like to find out more by sending us a WhatsApp: 07719 064 930
Together, let's make Carers Week 2025 a memorable celebration of the incredible contributions of unpaid carers and young carers in West Lothian. Your participation and support can make a world of difference.