This project provides a monthly, safe meeting space for unpaid carers in Irvine to reduce isolation, offer peer support, and develop personal health and wellbeing strategies that sustain their caring role. Carers will connect with others who understand their challenges, share experiences, and build supportive networks.

Each 3-hour session includes:

• Welcome & Connection – A warm, inclusive environment to foster peer relationships.
• Health & Wellbeing Education – Expert-led workshops on stress, anxiety, mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, and the impact of caring.
• Resilience Building – Practical strategies from mental health practitioners to support coping, boundaries, and emotional wellbeing.
• Peer Support Development – Confidence-building and leadership training to encourage progression into peer supporter roles.
• Ongoing Support – Reflection, signposting to services, and clear next steps for continued care and connection.

Sessions will be flexible to accommodate diverse caring responsibilities and will include topics requested by attendees, such as sleep, relaxation, communication, and more. Visiting health and wellbeing experts will provide additional input.

Evaluation & Development

Each session will include:

• Impact Measurement – Using surveys and wellbeing scales to track outcomes like improved wellbeing, confidence, reduced isolation, and peer role progression.
• Accountability – Demonstrating value for money and social impact to funders and stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement – Adapting content and delivery based on carer feedback and changing needs.

Outcomes

• Improved mental and physical wellbeing
• Increased confidence and resilience
• Stronger peer networks
• Progression into peer supporter roles
• Sustainable community support

Project Costs

• Venue hire: £240 (8 sessions free at Ayrshire Central Hospital)
• Marketing: £80
• Refreshments: £180
• Visiting experts: £225
• Materials: £275 Total: £1,000

FULL DESCRIPTION ATTACHED AS COULD NOT SUBMIT UNDER 6000 CHARACTERS