October 2025
Staying Active & Warm
Your Autumn Wellbeing Starts Here
As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, it’s easy to feel the pull to stay indoors. But autumn in Portsmouth offers plenty of opportunities to stay active, warm, and connected – especially for carers who deserve time for themselves and support from their community.
Keep Moving, Stay Warm
Staying active doesn’t mean braving the cold alone. Gentle movement, fresh air, and social connection can do wonders for your wellbeing. Whether it’s a short walk through one of Portsmouth’s beautiful parks or joining a local group, there are many ways to keep your body and mind engaged.
Here are a few ideas:
- Layer up and get outside: Even a brisk 10-minute walk can boost your mood.
- Try indoor activities: Stretching, light exercise, or dancing to your favourite music at home can help you stay warm and active.
- Eat well and stay hydrated: Warm meals and plenty of fluids are essential as temperatures drop.
Join Us at Portsmouth Carers Centre
We know how important it is for carers to have a space to relax, connect, and access support. That’s why we offer a variety of groups and sessions at the Portsmouth Carers Centre – from coffee mornings and wellbeing workshops to advice drop-ins and social events.
These sessions are designed with you in mind: welcoming, informal, and a great way to meet others who understand the challenges of caring.
Getting Around Is Easy
Portsmouth has excellent public transport links, making it simple to get to the Carers Centre and other venues across the city. Whether you’re hopping on a bus or using community transport services, there are plenty of options to help you stay connected.
And don’t forget – Portsmouth is full of free and low-cost activities in libraries, community centres, museums, and parks. There’s something for everyone, whatever your interests or schedule.
Utilities payment scheme
Portsmouth City Council have opened a new scheme to help low-income household with rising energy and water bills. If you’re eligible, you’ll get £150 for a single person household, £200 for a couple or family.
Eligibility
You must meet one of the following criteria:
- pensioners receiving Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance
- carers and caring households receiving either Carer’s Allowance or the Carers Element of Universal Credit or Pension Credit
- care leavers and care experienced adults (contact your personal adviser who can apply on your behalf.)
- low-income working aged adults unable to work specifically those with Limited Capacity for Work (LCW) who are not receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- single parents receiving Universal Credit
Your household income must also be below:
- £935 for a single adult household
- £1,350 for a couple
How to apply
Find out more and apply online
If you can’t apply online or upload proof of your circumstances, call 023 9268 8010 to apply by phone.
You must apply before 12 noon on Monday 27 October 2025. Due to limited funding, this scheme may close early if all funds have been given out to the Utilities Support Fund as applications can still be made to: Household support fund – Portsmouth City Council
Remember to Reach Out
As the season changes, remember that support is always available. Whether you need advice, a friendly chat, or a chance to take a break, Portsmouth Carers Service is here for you.
Pop in, give us a call, or check our website and social media for the latest updates on groups and events.
Let’s make this autumn a season of warmth, connection, and care – for you.
Carers Rights Day 2025
Are you an unpaid carer in Portsmouth?
Mark your calendars for Carers Rights Day 2025 – a national day dedicated to raising awareness of carers’ rights and ensuring you know where to turn for support.
When is Carers Rights Day?
Carers Rights Day takes place every year to highlight the vital role of unpaid carers and to make sure you’re informed about your rights and the help available to you. This year, it’s happening on Thursday, 20th November 2025.
Why is Carers Rights Day important?
Whether you’re new to caring or have been supporting someone for years, it’s easy to miss out on the information and support you’re entitled to. Carers Rights Day is all about empowering you – helping you understand your rights, access local services, and connect with other carers.
What’s happening in Portsmouth?
We’re planning an event to mark Carers Rights Day 2025. Full details will be shared soon – so please keep an eye on your inbox, our website, and social media channels!
How can you get involved?
- Save the date: Thursday, 20th November 2025
- Look out for updates: We’ll be sending more information about events and how you can take part.
- Spread the word: If you know other unpaid carers, please share this date with them!
Find out more:
For national information about Carers Rights Day, visit Carers UK’s website.
Portsmouth Carers Service is here to support you – on Carers Rights Day and every day. If you have questions or need advice, please get in touch.
Call: 02392 851864
What’s on at the Carers Centre
World Mental Health Day
Tea & Talk – Join the Conversation for World Mental Health Day
Come along to our Tea & Talk event and help raise funds to support better mental health for all. In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we’re inviting carers, colleagues, and community members to share a friendly cup of tea and start meaningful conversations about mental wellbeing.
We’ll be joined by a member of the Mental Health Hub team, who will be on hand to offer support and information. Whether you’re looking to connect, learn more, or simply enjoy a relaxed chat, this is a great opportunity to come together and make a difference.
📍 Where: Portsmouth Carers Centre, PO4 0AD
📅 When: Friday 10th October, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
📞 Contact: Call Laura or Caroline on 02392 851864
📧 Email: carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Let’s start the conversation – we look forward to seeing you there!
Caring and Disabled Yourself?
New Support Group for Disabled Carers Launches in Portsmouth
SEND Butterflies South Coast is excited to announce the launch of a new Disabled Carers Support Group at Portsmouth Carers Centre. This group is designed specifically for people who care for others while living with a disability themselves – whether physical or neurodivergent.
The group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, discuss your own needs, and connect with others who truly understand the unique challenges of balancing your own disability with a caring role. Sessions will focus on peer support, practical advice, and building a supportive community.
The group will meet every 8 weeks, with the first session on Monday 24th November, 3pm – 4:30pm at Portsmouth Carers Centre, PO4 0AD.
Everyone is welcome, and there’s no need to book – just come along.
For more information, please contact SEND Butterflies South Coast on: sendbutterflies.southcoast@gmail.com
Your Break, Your Way: Update
Carer Breaks Activities
Our recent research shows that many carers would love the opportunity to explore a wider range of activities across Portsmouth during their breaks from caring. While our Carers Breaks programme offers dedicated activities for carers, the city also has many free or low-cost activities that everyone – including carers – can enjoy.
You have told us that word of mouth and recommendations from fellow carers are some of the best ways to discover what’s out there. That’s why we’re inviting you to share your favourite places, activities, and experiences – anything that’s helped you relax, recharge, or simply have fun. Your tips could inspire someone else to try something new!
Carer Recommendation – Mandy who cares for her daughter told us how getting involved with the Community Learning Service has helped her to focus on something positive when she gets a break from caring.
“If you’re a carer like me, feeling anxious, stressed or alone, give the Community Learning Service a try. It’s done wonders for me – helped me pick up new skills, meet people, and take time to do something for me alongside caring. Even if you’re having a tough day, just getting out the door and giving it a go can make all the difference. You never know what you might learn – or who you’ll meet!
Working and caring for my daughter meant time for me to do something for myself was always difficult but things got even tougher when I had my own health issues too. Suddenly I had to leave a job I really loved. Between caring and my own health issues I have a lot of stress and anxiety and that can make it difficult to get out of the house and meet other people or do things I enjoy.
I was recommended to get in touch with the Community Learning Service, and this has really helped me with my anxiety and stress and gives me something positive to do. They’ve got loads of free courses to help you get your confidence back and pick up new skills. The ladies at reception are so friendly – they helped me fill out the forms and really made me feel welcome.
When I was working, computers and all that tech stuff started taking over, and I didn’t know my way around them, so it made things difficult. Thanks to the Learning Service, I’ve been able to take courses and learn a lot. Recently I did a class on using Artificial Intelligence to make up stories and artwork – never thought I’d be able to do that! Jenny and Pam, who run the courses, are brilliant. You go at your own pace, and they’re always there to help if you get stuck.
It’s not just about the lessons, though, going to the Learning Centre gets me out of the house, gives me something good to focus on, and lets me meet new people. Some days, I really have to push myself to go, but once I’m there, I always feel better. The staff are lovely; nothing’s ever too much trouble and I’ve got to know them really well. One of the best things is how we all help each other out in class. I love lending a hand to other people when I can, but if I ever find something tricky, someone’s always there to help me too.
One course I really enjoyed was called Thrive and Flourish. It had all sorts of different activities to give you confidence and learn ways manage stress. There were creative sessions too – I painted a sunflower picture that I’ve framed to put up at home. It just makes me happy every time I see it!”
To Find out more visit: Community Learning Service – website dedicated to community projects across Portsmouth City or call: 023 9262 1860.
If you would like to share your recommendations for any local activities of services which you have enjoyed when you have a break from caring, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Gina on 02392 851864 or by email at gina.mula@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Choice and Flexibility
Have you heard about Micro-providers?
Our research found that carers need more information and choice for local services which provide flexibility, tailored to individual needs. This includes broadening awareness and availability of local services to offer more choice for carers.
Have you heard about micro providers? They are people who work on a self-employed basis to provide a range of paid support to people in the local community.
If you are looking for support with everyday tasks or companionship and want to see a familiar face each time micro providers could be the solution.
If you are looking for flexible work which could fit around your lifestyle becoming a micro-provider could be of interest to you too. Carers have a wealth of experience and skills that could be of help to others.
I couldn’t have asked for anyone better… Merelyn who cared for her late husband Alan, shared her experience of using a local micro-provider Fiona as one of the sources of support to enable her to get a break from caring.
“Fiona came to support Alan every Monday. She was brilliant with him they went to a group together then on the way home, she would always take him into the local Co-op, and they would buy a newspaper, so that they could share the paper after lunch, and Alan could buy a packet of sandwiches. It was good for him to go to the shop with his wallet and buy things himself and Fiona was there to help. They were brilliant in the Co-op too; they were so kind to him.
Fiona set out to learn what his hobbies were. She knew nothing about cricket, but she got hold of the basic facts so that she could sit and watch some cricket with him and talk to him about it. She also played games with him and helped him with word searches and crosswords. They had their lunch together and had coffee, well, she just did everything for him to keep him happy to, to make sure that he was comfortable. If he wanted to fall asleep, that was fine. She got her knitting out or something like that or read the book I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.”
Our colleagues in the Independence and Wellbeing Team are working to develop a network of micro providers in Portsmouth and connect them to people who need them. If you would like to find out more, please contact Nicky on 07917 828257
If you would like more information please visit the Micro Providers webpage.
Can you help spread the word?
Why Self-Identification as an Unpaid Carer Matters
Across the UK, millions of people provide unpaid care for a family member, friend, or neighbour who is ill, disabled, or elderly. Yet, many do not recognise themselves as “carers” – they see themselves simply as a partner, parent, child, or friend. This lack of self-identification is common: research shows that over half of unpaid carers take a year or more to realise they are caring, and over a third take three years or more. This delay can mean missing out on vital support, information, and resources.
The Journey to Recognising Yourself as a Carer
Identifying as a carer is often a gradual process. The responsibilities of caring – helping with daily tasks, managing medication, providing emotional support – can build up slowly. Many people feel that caring is just part of being a “good” family member or friend, and social expectations can make it hard to see their role as something distinct. However, recognising yourself as a carer is a crucial step. It opens the door to support, helps you understand your rights, and allows you to connect with others in similar situations.
Improving Your Wellbeing and Personal Health
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Many carers experience stress, fatigue, and isolation. By identifying as a carer and seeking support, you can:
- Reduce Isolation: Peer groups and community events help you feel less alone.
- Access Respite: Short breaks and respite care give you time to rest and recharge.
- Get Practical Help: Advice on finances, employment rights, and navigating health and social care systems.
- Prioritise Your Health: Support services can help you manage your own health needs, which is essential for sustaining your caring role.
Enabling You to Continue Caring
Accessing support isn’t just about your wellbeing – it also helps you continue caring for as long as you want to. With the right help, you can balance your caring responsibilities with other aspects of your life, maintain your own health, and avoid burnout. Early identification and support can make a significant difference in your ability to provide care safely and sustainably.
Support for Carers in Portsmouth
Portsmouth Carers Service provides a comprehensive range of resources for unpaid carers in the city. Whether you need advice, emotional support, or practical help, we are here to assist you. Services include:
- Carer’s assessments
- Health and wellbeing support
- Peer support groups
- Local service information
- Help with understanding your rights as a carer
You can contact Portsmouth Carers Service by phone: 02392 851864 or email: carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
If you know someone who is caring, but hasn’t yet identified themselves as an unpaid carer, please forward them this newsletter or speak to them about getting in touch with our service.
If you look after someone and are unsure if you’re a carer, take the quiz on the Portsmouth Carers Service website or reach out for a conversation. Recognising your role is the first step to getting the support you deserve.