A carers’ wellbeing event held at the Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) brought together unpaid carers, local services and community organisations for a day focused on support, connection and wellbeing.
The event was facilitated by Age Cymru Gwent and supported through council-allocated carers funding, reflecting a shared commitment to recognising and supporting the vital role unpaid carers play across °¬˛ćAƬ.
A total of 27 carers attended, many of whom support older people living with complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke and mental health challenges. Several of those present also live with their own health conditions, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for carers to access support in a way that is inclusive and accessible.
Throughout the day, carers were able to engage with a wide range of local organisations, including council services, health partners and voluntary sector groups. This created a relaxed and welcoming environment where people could have conversations, ask questions and find out more about the support available to them locally.
Alongside this, a programme of gentle activities such as mindfulness and yoga sessions offered carers the chance to take a short break from their caring responsibilities, while creative opportunities and shared refreshments helped to encourage informal peer support and conversation.
The event provided carers the opportunity to speak with a range of organisations which demonstrated the value of partnership working within the borough.
- EVI / Sunflower Cafe
- Llias - Your voice in Social Care
- °¬˛ćAƬ Council / Carers Team
- Alzheimer’s society
- Age Cymru Gwent – Information & Advice / Scams / HDS / Respite / Help at °¬˛ćAƬ
- Dementia Hub
- Women’s Aid - Cyfannol and the OPCC
- Adferiad
- BG Care and Repair
- Action Deafness Cymru
- National energy action
- Happy, Healthy °¬˛ćAƬ
- Careers Promotion BG
By bringing together all these services in one place, it helped to strengthen relationships between organisations while making it easier for carers to access advice and support. Promotion through council networks, community organisations and health partners ensured that the opportunity reached carers from across the borough.
Despite being delivered with a modest budget, the event achieved a great deal. The use of a local community venue, support from partner organisations and contributions from local businesses all helped to create a meaningful and well-attended event that offered clear value for public funding.
Feedback from those who attended was very positive, with one group sharing:
“What a great day, we really enjoyed it all.”
Beyond the day itself, the event has helped to strengthen links between carers and local services, while also encouraging new connections between organisations. Just as importantly, it provided carers with time to talk, share experiences and feel recognised within their community.
This event highlights the importance of continuing to invest in local, partnership-led initiatives that support unpaid carers. By working together, the council and its partners can help ensure carers are better connected, better supported, and able to maintain their own wellbeing alongside their caring role.
If you are an unpaid carer in °¬˛ćAƬ, you can keep up to date with future events by following the °¬˛ćAƬ Unpaid Adult Carers Facebook page. If you feel a carers needs assessment could help you or a family member please visit:
/media/b20gl1at/unpaid-carers-fact-sheet-eng.pdf