Carers Week 2026: Recognising and Supporting Carers

Carers Week 2026 takes place from 8–14 June, providing an important opportunity to highlight the vital role that unpaid carers play across the Isle of Man, including children and young people who provide care to family members.

Monday, June 8, 2026

This year celebrate the theme of 'Building Carer Friendly Communities' - Where carers feel recognised and can balance their responsibilities with their own wellbeing.

As reported by Public Heath, 'The 2021 Isle of Man Census identified 4,869 unpaid carers living on the island'.

The Isle of Man Safeguarding Board will be highlighting the theme as well as the collaborative work being undertaken by The Carers Strategy and Carers themselves.

https://www.carersweek.org/

Why This Matters for Safeguarding

Carers play a vital role within families and communities, but caring responsibilities can also bring challenges, including impacts on emotional wellbeing, physical health, and social isolation.

For children and young people, these challenges can represent a safeguarding concern if their needs are not recognised or supported. Professionals across all agencies have a role in:

identifying young carers
understanding the impact of caring responsibilities
ensuring children’s needs and voices are heard
providing timely support and intervention where needed

Recognising Young Carers

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care to a family member or friend who has an illness, disability, mental health condition, or requires additional support.

For some children and young people, this responsibility can form a significant part of their daily lives. Young carers may help with practical tasks, provide emotional support, and take on responsibilities beyond what would normally be expected for their age.

From a safeguarding perspective, it is essential that young carers are identified early and that their needs are recognised. Without the right support, caring responsibilities can impact on a child’s education, wellbeing, and social development.

Carers Week provides an opportunity for professionals, families and communities to better understand the experiences of young carers and to ensure they receive appropriate support.

Carers Week Activities

Monday 8 June
- Crossroads: Carers drop in session 10am-2pm, Community Space Tynwald Street.
- 10:00 – 10:15am – Mini:LIVE: What support is near you and how to access it. Short discussion on local support groups and how carers can get connected.: Alzheimer’s Society Riley’s Garden Centre Café, Braddan - 2:00pm-3:30pm
- Contact: Gina 07624 465008 | gina.claridge@alzheimers.org.uk or Lauren 07624 466979 | lauren.booth@alzheimers.org.uk

Tuesday 9 June
- 10:20am-12:30pm: Carers Drop In for informal advice, information, and support. Thie Quinney, Ramsey.
- 10:30am -12:30pm: Carers Drop In with Learning disability social work team. Centre 21, Homefield Road, Douglas.
- 12:00pm-2:00pm: Carers Cuppa and a Chat. Foyre at Noble’s Hospital.
- 11:00am – 1:00pm: Carers Drop in for informal advice, information, and support. House of Manannan Café Peel.
- 11:00am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm-3:30pm: Carers Drop in for informal advice, information, and support. National Sports Centre.
- 1:00pm -3:30pm: Carers Drop in for informal advice, information, and support. Thie Rosen Reception area Port Erin.
- 10:00 – 10:15am – Mini:LIVE: Helpful charities and condition-specific organisations. Information on charities and specialist organisations available to support carers.
- 7:15 – 8:00pm – Relaxed social drop-in: Informal evening chat session for carers to connect socially. Hosted by Lucy.
- Alzheimer’s Society: Northern Swimming Pool Ramsey - 2:00pm-3:30pm
- Contact: Gina 07624 465008 | gina.claridge@alzheimers.org.uk or Lauren 07624 466979 | lauren.booth@alzheimers.org.uk
Wednesday 10th June
- Crossroads: Carers drop in session 10am -2pm Community Space in Tynwald Street
- 10:00 – 10:15am – Mini:LIVE: The Mobilise Hub tour. Introduction to using the Mobilise Hub and local online community spaces.
- 4:00 – 4:45pm – Meet up with Neurological Carers
  Supportive session for carers of people with Parkinson’s, MS, MND and other neurological conditions. Hosted by Suzanne.
- Carers UK, Panel discussion with working carers - Juggling work with care – 3 - 4pm  
  - The theme for the Thursday of Carers Week focuses on work. We’ll be joined by Carers UK volunteers Vic and Tamara who will talk about life as working carers, the challenges they face and tips that will help you to juggle work and caring. You will then be welcome to ask questions and share your experiences. Book here
- Coffee for Carers
  - Purpose: Meet staff, service users, and other carers; network over coffee (refreshments provided).
  - Date & Time: Wednesday 10 June, 13:30–14:30
  - Location: Eastern LAA Meanagh, 1 Meadow View, Second Avenue, Onchan, IM1 4LU
  - How to register: Email rebecca.hughes2@gov.im
  - Contact: (01624) 686885

Thursday 11th June
- 10:00 – 10:15am – Mini:LIVE: Becoming a Mobilise Champion
  Discussion about volunteering as a Champion within the Mobilise community.
- 12:00 – 1:00pm – Mobilise: LIVE Contingency planning
  Practical session breaking contingency planning into manageable steps for carers. Hosted by Suzanne.
- 7:00 – 7:45pm – Mobilise Mens Meet Up: Dedicated session for male carers to share experiences and support each other. Hosted by Awais.
  - What I wish I’d known as a carer’ with Sara Challice 3-4pm
    When we find ourselves in a caring role, we are never truly prepared – often learning the hard way, on our own. Award-winning author of ‘Who Cares?’, Sara Challice shares the issues carers face, along with her insights into why these problems happen and how we can overcome them – helping make your life easier.
Friday 12th June
- 1:00 – 11:45am – Creative Minds with an Island Activity. Relaxed creative session encouraging wellbeing and connection. Hosted by Karen.

Saturday 13th June
- 10:00 – 10:15am – Mini:LIVE: Carers Week Catch Up!
  Recap of the themes and discussions from across Carers Week.
Sunday 14th June
- 10:00 – 10:15am – Mini:LIVE: Carers Week Catch Up!
  Final reflection session revisiting the week’s key topics.
- 11:00 – 11:45am – Drop-in for working carers
  Relaxed Sunday morning session for carers balancing work and caring responsibilities. Hosted by Awais.