March 2026

Let’s Talk Wellbeing

Your Break Your Way – Update

Many of you have told us you’d love it to be easier to take a breather from your caring role, and do something that supports you. And we couldn’t agree more!

Wellbeing isn’t just about eating your veggies or going for a jog – it’s about feeling good inside and out. That includes your physical health, your mental and emotional balance, and even how connected you feel to the people around you.

That could be joining one of our carers breaks, taking part in an activity or information session, or simply getting together with other carers for a chat, a cuppa or to join one of the many activities available in the city or online.

Our Wellbeing Flower is a colourful guide to let you know about activities run by Portsmouth Carers Service and other great venues across Portsmouth. Think of it as your pick‑and‑mix menu of things that can help you take time for yourself and make your wellbeing bloom.

A Small Reminder for Every Carer

You give so much to others. Remember: your wellbeing matters too. We hope the Wellbeing Flower inspires you to take small steps toward wellbeing – in ways that work for you, at your own pace.

If you’d like a copy of the Wellbeing Flower or want to learn more about how to use it, please pop into the centre or get in touch.

Spring into Action this April

Supporting you to keep active and boost your wellbeing 

Spring is coming, the days are getting brighter, flowers are starting to bloom, and we want to help you to make your wellbeing bloom too. As we look towards April, we will be offering carers opportunities to be more active in our carers breaks programme:

• Mindful Stretch Session at the Carers Centre
  • Tuesday 31^st March
  • 13:00-14:00
  • BH Live will help us move forward into spring with a carers Mindful Stretch session.
• Carers Discovery Session at The Learning Place:
  • Monday 9th March
  • 1:00-2.30
  • Join Jo from Portsmouth Carers Service for a cuppa and chat to discover what’s on offer at The Learning Place and how to use the activities on offer to support your wellbeing.

Please contact Portsmouth Carers Service to reserve your place: 02392 851864

Carers UK   have shared tips to get you started on your activity goals:

1. Build activity into your routine – Find small moments in the day to move – morning, evening or whenever suits you. Even short bursts of activity make a difference.
2. Plan ahead – Choose times when you have the most energy. Eat well beforehand so you’re fuelled for activity.
3. Make it enjoyable – Listen to music or a podcast, meet a friend, or try something new so movement feels fun rather than a chore.
4. Start small – Begin with manageable goals. Your confidence and ability will grow over time, and each achievement feels rewarding.
5. Be creative – You don’t need special equipment. Everyday items (like a chair or tins of beans) can work for simple exercises at home.
6. Look after yourself – Take moments to breathe, stretch, relax, and reward yourself when you reach your movement goals.

Activities You Can Try

1. Online Activities – Follow short online workouts, functional exercises, dance, or Pilates – ideal if you find it hard to get out.
2. Dancing – Put on music and move. Great for strength, balance and reducing stress.
3. Activity at work – Make small changes like parking further away, getting off the bus early, or taking the stairs.
4. Boxercise – A mix of boxing and aerobics that improves strength, coordination and helps reduce tension.
5. Swimming or aqua aerobics – Low‑impact, full‑body activities that work multiple muscle groups.
6. Yoga, Pilates or tai chi – Gentle, low‑impact sessions that support balance, breathing, strength and wellbeing.
7. Gardening – A productive way to stay active while reducing stress and boosting your sense of wellbeing.
8. Walking or running – Walk a bit faster, take longer routes, or add short bursts of speed to build fitness gradually.
9. Sports – Local sports clubs often offer beginner‑friendly options in football, netball, hockey, rugby and more.

If you find it difficult to enjoy activities outside of your home, there are plenty of free resources to enjoy online:

Carers UK Activity Hub: Carers Active hub | Carers UK

Virtual Village Hall: Online Activity Sessions | Virtual Village Hall | Royal Voluntary Service

We Are Undefeatable has lots of helpful information If you are living with a long term health condition and would like to be more active: Be More Active Whilst Living With A Health Condition

Activity Alliance have a list of useful exercise advice, workouts, videos, and activity guides for people living with a disability. This helps everyone to move more while at home or when going outside for regular activity:  Being active at home | Activity Alliance

What’s on at the Carers Centre

New Community Drop-ins

Support for Unpaid Carers in Portsea and Paulsgrove

Looking after someone can make it hard to get out and about – especially when juggling appointments, responsibilities, or the daily demands of caring. Many carers tell us that travelling into the Carers Centre isn’t always easy. That’s why Carers Connect, in partnership with Hive Portsmouth, brings support directly into local communities, making it easier for you to get the help you need close to home.

Our friendly Community Helpdesk sessions in Portsea and Paulsgrove offer the same guidance, information and warm welcome you’d receive at the Carers Centre – just in a more convenient location.

Why these local sessions matter

• Closer to home: Ideal for carers who can’t always travel far or leave the person they care for.
• Drop-in format: No appointments needed.
• Tailored guidance: Information about the Carers Service, local support, and practical advice for unpaid carers.
• A friendly space: A chance to speak to someone face-to-face who understands the challenges of caring.

Carers Connect Portsea

• When: First Tuesday of every month
• Time: 10am – 11.30am
• Where: John Pounds Centre Library, PO1 3HN
• Next date: Tuesday 3rd March

Carers Connect Paulsgrove

• When: Last Monday of every month
• Time: 10am – 11.30am
• Where: Paulsgrove Housing Office, PO6 4HQ
• Next date: Monday 30th March

Whether you’re looking for advice, information, or simply a friendly chat, our local Carers Connect sessions are here to make support more accessible – right on your doorstep. If getting into the Carers Centre feels challenging, please do drop by. We’re here to help in a way that works for you.

Support for Carers 18-25

Young Adult Carers Group: A Space Just for You

Being a young adult carer can be incredibly rewarding – but it can also feel overwhelming, isolating, or simply exhausting. Between looking after someone else, managing work or studies, and trying to build your own independence, it’s easy to forget that you also deserve care, connection, and time to simply be yourself.

That’s why the Young Adult Carers Group exists. Designed specifically for unpaid carers aged 18-25, this weekly meet-up creates a welcoming, relaxed space where you can take a breather, meet others your age, and build friendships with people who genuinely “get it”.

Why this group matters

Many young adult carers find they rarely meet others in the same situation. Even supportive friends may not fully understand the pressures of juggling caring responsibilities with the rest of life. Spending time with people who share similar experiences can make a huge difference – it helps you feel seen, understood, and less alone.

A place to relax and recharge

Each weekly session (Wednesday 6.15pm to 8.15pm) gives you a chance to step away from your caring role and focus on you. Whether you prefer relaxed chats, fun activities, or just sitting with a cuppa while surrounded by friendly faces, the group adapts to what its members need. It’s your time, your pace, and your space.

Regular breaks like this are not just enjoyable – they’re essential. They give you time to recharge emotionally and mentally, helping you find balance and build resilience.

Being part of a group of peers can boost your confidence, strengthen your support network, and remind you that there’s a whole community standing beside you.

If you’re an unpaid carer aged 18-25, you’re warmly invited to come along, take a break, and find your people. You deserve time for yourself – and this group is here to make that possible.

Carer Essentials – Training

Build confidence with Moving and Handling Training

To help unpaid carers feel confident, protected, and well‑equipped, Portsmouth Carers Service is offering a series of free Moving & Handling training sessions throughout 2026. These practical workshops are designed to give you hands-on skills, reassurance, and the chance to learn in a friendly and supportive environment.

1. Practical Skills for Supporting Mobile Individuals

• Mondays: 20 April, 20 July, 19 October
• Time: 1pm – 4pm
• Location: Carers Centre, PO4 0AD
• This session focuses on safe and effective ways to support someone who is mobile but may need a helping hand with day‑to‑day movements. You’ll learn practical techniques to reduce strain, protect your own body, and help the person you care for move confidently and comfortably. It’s ideal for carers who support someone with walking, standing, or everyday transfers, and who want to feel more secure in how they assist.

2. Hoisting, Transfer Aids & Bed Mobility Skills

• Thursdays: 23 April, 30 July, 29 October
• Time: 11am – 2pm
• Location: Civic Offices, PO1 2AL
• If the person you care for requires more structured physical support, this session provides guidance on safely using hoists, transfer belts, slide sheets, and other equipment. You’ll also learn techniques for assisting with bed mobility, helping you feel more confident in managing complex movements. This is an excellent workshop for carers who use, or might need to use, specialist equipment and want to ensure they are doing so safely and correctly.

How to book

Booking is essential. To reserve your place, please contact:

📞 023 9285 1864
📧 carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

When emailing, please include:

• Your name, date of birth, postcode, and contact details
• Who you care for
• Equipment or aids you currently use
• Movements or tasks you find challenging
• Any specific goals or concerns you’d like the session to address

A member of the team will then be in touch to confirm your booking and provide all the information you need before attending.

Monthly Drop-in for Carers

Personalised support to help you get back into work

Are you a carer thinking about returning to work, changing your job, or exploring new opportunities? Connect to Work is offering monthly drop‑ins designed specifically to support carers who want to re‑enter the workforce at a pace that suits them.

These friendly, informal sessions take place at the Carers Centre and are led by an experienced employment advisor who understands the unique challenges carers face. Whether you’re looking for practical help or simply want space to think about your future, Connect to Work is here to support you.

What support is available?

Carers can access personalised guidance on:

• Identifying suitable job roles
• Writing applications and preparing for interviews
• Understanding welfare benefits and workplace adjustments
• Building a tailored support plan that reflects your caring responsibilities
• Signposting to additional local services and opportunities

The sessions offer a relaxed, no‑pressure environment where you can chat openly with an advisor, explore options, and gain confidence as you plan your next steps.

The drop‑ins run once a month on a Monday, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Upcoming dates include:

• 3 March
• 13 April
• 11 May

You’re welcome to attend any session – no need to book.

For further information, please contact:
📞 02392 815005

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