voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Carers Connect: Bringing Support to Unpaid Carers in Lochgelly
Created: 20/08/2025
News/Events Category: FVA News
This item will show under the following categories: Health and Social CareOn Wednesday 20 August 2025, we opened the doors at the Lochgelly Centre to welcome unpaid carers from across the community for Carers Connect — a special event designed to ensure that those who dedicate so much of their time to supporting others can access the help, advice, and services they deserve.
A day for carers
Carers Connect was created with one aim in mind: to bring together unpaid carers and the organisations that can make a real difference in their day-to-day lives. Whether caring for a relative, friend, or neighbour, unpaid carers often juggle huge responsibilities while putting their own needs last. This event was about changing that balance — giving carers the chance to connect, learn, and feel supported.
Information, support and relaxation
The Lochgelly Centre was filled with stalls and representatives from a wide range of local services, charities, and community organisations, including:
- The Well
- Fife Young Carers
- Fife Forum
- Citizens Advice and Rights Fife
- Disabled Persons Housing Service (DPHS) and their self directed support team
- Homelands
- Crossroads Fife
- Image Matters
- Shared Care Scotland
- Fife Carers Centre
- Circles Network
Carers had the opportunity to:
- Find out about financial advice and benefits support
- Access information on respite services and wellbeing activities
- Speak to health and social care professionals
- Connect with local peer support groups
The event wasn’t only about information — it was also about making carers feel appreciated. Everyone attending was treated to free tea, coffee, and cake, with a dedicated quiet space to unwind away from the bustle. Many carers also enjoyed trying out a soothing shiatsu massage or discovering something new through a colour analysis session, both of which proved very popular.
Some of the FVA team (L-R): Suzanne Turner (Time To Live), Jacquie Mellon (Head of Health and Social Care), Chris Steer (Project Officer), and Hayley Brown (Befriending Coordinator).Why events like this matter
Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities. Their work often goes unseen, but it is vital. Carers Connect recognised the incredible contribution carers make and aimed to give something back by making it easier to access the right support at the right time.
By bringing services together in one place, the event helped carers save time, gain confidence, and leave with practical tools and knowledge to help them in their caring role — while also offering a rare chance to relax and recharge.
Looking ahead
The success of Carers Connect at Lochgelly Centre shows just how valuable these kinds of events are. Details of upcoming Carers Connect events are below. We hope to see you there!
Inverkeithing
Date: Thursday 04 September 2025
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Venue: Inverkeithing Civic CentreLeven
Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Venue: The Centre, LevenGlenrothes
Date: Wednesday 01 October 2025
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Venue: Rothes Halls, Glenrothes
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