Lanarkshire Carers celebrates 30 years of providing advice and support
Lanarkshire Carers is celebrating 30 years of delivering information, advice, and support to carers in Lanarkshire.
A 30th anniversary celebration summer dance was held as part of Carers Week 2025 to mark the occasion.
In 1995, a small group of carers met in a community hall with the shared interest of making things better for people who look after someone else, the people who care.
That was the start of Lanarkshire Carers and everything the charity has grown into and developed as a vital, progressive and dynamic organisation. Lanarkshire Carers continues with its core purpose of working with and for carers to make a positive difference to their lives.
Barbara McAuley, CEO of Lanarkshire Carers, said: 'It was a fantastic evening of food, entertainment and dancing. Many carers spoke about the impact Lanarkshire Carers has on their lives and how much they enjoy being part of the organisation and the 30th year celebration.
'My colleagues and I are truly fortunate to work for a carer led organisation and thanks must go to that first group of carers in 1995 and to every carer who has contributed to Lanarkshire Carers since then.
The evening was a celebration with staff, volunteers, board members, carers and friends coming together to enjoy themselves, make connections and happy memories.
'Lanarkshire Carers culture and values shone throughout and were reflected in the many comments and emotions shared during the evening.
'It is a special year for a wonderful organisation and a privilege to be part of this celebration. Carers must be recognised and valued for everything they do and have access to the information, advice and support they need, we know from over 16,000 members the impact of Lanarkshire Carers work.'
The dance was held at Hamilton Park Racecourse with nearly 200 guests including carers who are members of Lanarkshire Carers and representatives from North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Carers Trust Scotland.
The dance marked the grand finale of Lanarkshire Carers busy programme of activities for Carers Week 2025, which included laughter therapy, crystal sound bath, jewellery making and singing workshops all of which proved to be popular taster sessions with carers.
There was also a woodland wellbeing walk in the Morgan Glen Nature Reserve and a fresh-air catch up in Drumpellier Country Park.
In the weeks leading up to Carers Week, 10 carer catch up sessions were held across North and South Lanarkshire localities for carers to take time out from their caring roles, meet Lanarkshire Carers staff, access information and engage with other carers for peer support and connections.
Board member Phil Hughes said: 'The night made me even more proud, if that's possible, of our organisation. It was well organised by staff who are caring, pleasant, and professional.
'They ensured everyone had a really good time and are a credit to our organisation. Carers Week is a busy time for Lanarkshire Carers when the normal daily work also continues.
'The theme this year highlights our services and approach and it was good to see so many carers supported through the additional Carers Week activities.'
Lanarkshire Carers provides information, advice and a range of direct support services for unpaid carers in Lanarkshire which can help carers maintain and improve their quality of life and continue to care.
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