Support for carers in Blackburn with Darwen

Unpaid carers have opportunities to find out about the support they can access in Blackburn with Darwen next week.

A variety of events for carers are taking place across the borough during Carers Week between 8 and 14 June, to highlight the valued support they provide.

The events and activities have been planned by BwD Carers working in partnership with the Council, around the theme of this year’s Carers Week which is Building Carer Friendly Communities.

Unpaid carers who provide support to family, friends or neighbours are welcome to take part in a variety of events, including yoga, a brunch style coffee morning with craft stalls, a guided walk, wellbeing and mental health group sessions – and even an organised trip to Llandudno.

And on Wednesday 10 June, BwD Carers will host a celebration event at their base in Kingsway, close to Blackburn town centre.

From 10am to 12.30pm, carers can come together for lunch and refreshments alongside wellbeing activities, a variety of stalls and relevant speakers. The event also brings an opportunity to find out what support is available to them in their caring roles, as well as meeting and chatting with other carers.

Councillor Jackie Floyd, Executive Member for Adults Social Care and Health, said:

Many local residents provide unpaid support to loved ones, often with their efforts going unrecognised. And some of these people don’t even identify themselves as carers.

A key factor defining a carer is if the person receiving the support wouldn’t be able to manage day to day living without it. In Blackburn with Darwen, we know there are over 13,000 unpaid carers, and our carers service is committed to recognising them and providing support.

Carers Week aims to put a spotlight on the many carers we have living within our communities who are providing this level of support to their loved ones.

I hope that carers will come along and get involved in the events throughout the week and seek out the support that is available to them.

Carers come in many guises and may provide unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour helping with shopping, meals, cleaning and other daily tasks.

They may also provide emotional or mental health support, attend appointments or help with managing care.

People who provide unpaid care to family members or friends are entitled to a statutory carers’ assessment through the local authority. This assessment looks at the impact caring responsibilities have on a person’s wellbeing, including their physical and mental health, ability to work, and day-to-day life.

It also gives carers the opportunity to have their voice heard and to identify what support may help them continue caring in a safe and sustainable way.

Councillor Floyd added:

The saying goes ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ and it’s important that carers don’t neglect their own needs or wellbeing while caring for someone.

By having an assessment, carers can put in place the support they need to stay well enough and able to continue in their caring roles.

Below are full details of the events and activities taking place in Blackburn with Darwen during Carers Week 2026.

For those that need to be booked, contact BwD Carers on:

• Phone 01254 688440
• Email office@bwdcarers.org.uk

Find out more about assessments for carers at: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/adults-and-health/caring-someone

 

📆 Monday 8 June 10am – 12pm

Special Coffee Morning – Brunch Time

Homemade cakes, pastries, warm and refreshing drinks, music, crafts, stall and much more

Six stalls available for you to bring items to sell or share.

FREE

BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place BB2 1NA

 

📆 Tuesday 9 June 11am – 12pm

Gentle Yoga & Chair Yoga by Kate

Professional Women’s Fitness Coach with a Professional health advice for carers’ self-care. Refreshments provided.

FREE – Booking essential

BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place BB2 1NA

 

📆 Tuesday 9 June 10:30am & 1:30pm

Hidden Blackburn Guided Walks

Join us for two refreshing guided walks uncovering the stories, secrets and surprising history of Blackburn’s town centre – including refreshments

FREE – no booking required

Meeting point: Blackburn Central Library

 

📆 Wednesday 10 June 10am – 12:30pm

Main Carers’ Week Celebration

Variety of stalls, wellbeing activities, speakers, refreshments and lunch

FREE – no booking required

BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place BB2 1NA

 

📆 Thursday 11 June 1pm – 3pm

Balance and Wellbeing Group 

Join us for a picnic celebration

FREE – no booking required

BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place BB2 1NA

 

📆 Thursday 11 June 10:30am

Carers Week Walk in Witton Park

Three walking options available: easy, medium and longer walk options – including refreshments at The Hub

Meeting point: Pavilion Café, Witton Park

FREE – no booking required

 

📆 Friday 12 June 9:30am – 11:30am

Parent Carers Breakfast 

Are you a parent carer? We’d love you to join us for breakfast at the Carers Centre – it’s a great chance to meet and connect with other parents.

FREE – no booking required

BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place BB2 1NA

 

📆 Friday 12 June 4pm – 6pm

My Comic Café & Craft (for children and parents)

The activity aims to support children in developing social skills, with guidance from a children and young people counsellor.

Ages 5–14 and parents welcome

FREE – no booking required

Location: McDonald’s, Mayson Street, Blackburn BB1 1AQ

 

📆 Saturday 13 June 8:15am – 5pm

Trip to Llandudno

Priority for new carers, with a maximum of two carers per booking

Cost: £6.50

Booking essential