Carers Week 2025

Running from June 9-15th, our support encompassed a jam-packed calendar of activities starting well beforehand and culminating in a celebratory launch of our bright spacious premises and Community Launch of the new Sutton Carers Strategy!

The week running up to Carers Week kicked off with activities including a Young Carers Free2b Wellbeing session, SWLStG online Listening Event for those supporting people with a mental health condition. On Friday 6th, Julia (Young Carers Service Manager) and Paula (Senior Adult Carers Peer Support and Development Worker (Mental Health) talked at the St Patrick's Church Carers Support Day gathering (pictured below).

From Monday 9th we kicked off the Caring about Equality themed Carers Week with two sessions with the Home Office Community Engagement Team (below left), inviting anyone with questions or concerns about immigration, visas, or available support to come and find out more.

We hosted our local Primary Care Network team on Tuesday who talked to Carers about prioritising their own health (below right); while SWLStG ran a Creative Wellbeing workshops taster session, and 'What is recover?' and 'Friendly Wards' webinars.

SWLStG also ran a Pharmacy workshop and Carer recognition Group.

Home Office Information Session

Health drop-in with local Primary Care Network staff

On Wednesday, our Young Carers enjoyed a Party in the Park involving sun, snacks, arty stuff and games - it's so great to have Manor Park literally on our doorstep!

Thursday welcomed some new faces to our weekly Carers Connect Coffee Morning. We also had sessions booked all morning with the LBS Finance Team so that people could gain personalised advice on DREs (Disability Related Expenses).

Creative Croydon's Sing & Stroll

Friday was our grand finale! The day started off with a Carers Trust webinar, Creative Croydon's Sing n Stroll wellbeing walk (pictured right), a SWLStG picnic for Carers and their families, and our Wellbeing Navigator Kathryn ran an online wellbeing workshop.

At SCC, we welcomed Carers, family members and professionals, from 12 noon to the new Sutton Carers Centre building at Sutton Gate for a Open House-Warming celebration.

The Centre looked great with balloons donated by Clare Boppins Events Decorator and guests included recently elected Madam Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton Louise Phelan and Councillor Marion James.

The Open House-Warming was made even warmer with the sunny weather and lack of air-conditioning, but especially through wonderful conversations, connections and support.

After 2pm, our LBS representatives, CEO Helen Bailey, Assistant Director of Adult Social Services Sandra Howard and Assistant Director of Children's Services Tendai Dooley announced the Community Launch of the new Carers Strategy which you can access here.

#Carersweek2025 might be over, but raising awareness for Carers never stops. Whether you are a Carer or professional #CaringAboutEquality, working with Carers or those cared for, in your role, read about Carers Week here.