by J | Nov 7, 2025 | News
This Armistice Day, 11th November 2025, we take a moment to reflect, not just on the
bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the Armed Forces, but also on those who
continue to serve in quieter, everyday ways. Among them are armed forces carers;
veterans, spouses, partners, children and friends who support someone, often shaped
by the impact of military life.
Remembrance is about more than history. It’s about recognising the people who carry
that legacy forward today, through care, compassion and resilience.
This year marks some powerful anniversaries: Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and 80
years since V-J Day. We also remember the incredible contributions of Commonwealth
soldiers and the community spirit of campaigns like “Dig for Victory.” Across the UK,
PeoplePlus staff and volunteers will be laying wreaths and sharing reflections to honour
these stories.
But remembrance also means recognising the carers among us, especially those from
the Armed Forces community.
Why Armed Forces Carers Matter
Military carers often face unique challenges:
– Around 11% of veterans provide unpaid care, slightly more than the general
population.
– Over 11,000 young carers in forces families juggle caring with school, frequent
moves, and the emotional toll of deployment.
Ex-service carers are twice as likely to have caring responsibilities compared to others
their age. Many support people with conditions linked to service, like PTSD, chronic pain or
injuries. Navigating both NHS and Defence Medical Services can be complex, especially during
transitions. Carers often feel invisible, unsure if their military-related challenges will be understood.
They may receive less support and fewer breaks than other carers. Frequent relocations can disrupt care plans, education and local support networks.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re a carer from the Armed Forces community, or know someone who is, support
is available.
Call 0300 111 9000
Visit www.gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk
We offer tailored advice, emotional support, and practical help, because no one should
feel alone in their caring journey.
If you’d like to get involved or help us strengthen our commitment to the Armed Forces
Covenant, please contact Zoe Warner, our Armed Forces & Veteran Lead, at
zoe.warner@peopleplus.co.uk
by J | Oct 28, 2025 | News
Thursday 20th November 2025
Carers Rights Day is a national campaign led by Carers UK, dedicated to making sure unpaid Carers know their rights and have access to the support and information they need.
This year’s theme is “Caring for Your Future” – a reminder that your wellbeing, financial security, and personal goals matter. Whether you’re thinking about work, education, benefits, or simply taking care of yourself, this day is all about helping you plan ahead and feel confident about the future.
NHS Bus Tour – Bringing Support to You
In the run-up to Carers Rights Day, the NHS Bus will be travelling across Gloucestershire, offering drop-in sessions where you can speak to professionals, ask questions, and pick up useful resources. The bus will be at the below locations between 9.30am – 3.00pm (weather permitting).
Where and When:
- 3rd November – Tewkesbury Morrisons
- 7th November – Coleford Clocktower
- 14th November – Cheltenham Tesco
- 18th November – Gloucester Cross
- 20th November – Cirencester Livestock Market
These sessions are open to all and are a great way to find out more about the support available in your area.
Carers Rights Day Event – Dowty’s Sports and Social Club
Join us on Thursday 20th November at Dowty’s Sports and Social Club for a special event celebrating Carers and connecting you with local services.
🕙 Time: Drop in anytime between 10:00am – 2:00pm
What to expect:
- Meet organisations like The Care Advice Line, Healthwatch Gloucestershire, and Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum
- Get practical advice and information
- Connect with other Carers in a friendly, welcoming space
Coproduction Workshop – Help Shape Hospital Experiences
As part of the event, you’re invited to take part in a coproduction workshop.
We’re hosting a carousel-style workshop to explore and build on our ongoing work around hospitalisation experiences and to look at new areas, including the evaluation of the co-production project, engagement approaches, and the identification and characterisation of carers.
You’ll move through a series of hands-on sessions, each designed to spark conversation, reflection, and collaboration around these different areas. It’s a chance to share your insights, help shape next steps, and connect with others working across different parts of the project.
🍽️ A free lunch will be provided for workshop participants.
📌 Booking is essential, and please let us know about any dietary requirements when you register.
📞 To book, call: 0300 111 9000
📧 Or register online: https://forms.office.com/e/BAtA7aYtsF
Help Us Spread the Word
We want every Carer in Gloucestershire to know about Carers Rights Day and the support available. You can help by sharing this information with friends, family, and your networks. There are a number of graphics which can be downloaded and shared available on our website: Carers Rights Day – Gloucestershire Carers Hub
Follow and tag us on social media:
- Instagram: @Gloucestershire_Carers_Hub
- Facebook: @gloucestershirecarershub
You matter. Your role is vital. And you deserve support.
Let’s make Carers Rights Day 2025 a day of connection, empowerment, and planning for a brighter future.
If you need support or a listening ear we are here for you – Call 0300 111 9000.
by J | Oct 22, 2025 | News
🍁 Welcome to Our November ‘Be Connected’ Programme
We’re delighted to share our November 2025 activities and sessions created especially for unpaid carers across Gloucestershire. Whether you’d like to bring along the person you care for or take some time just for yourself, there’s something here for everyone.
🌟 Out and About in the Community
This month’s programme is packed with in-person and online sessions across the county – from creative workshops and wellbeing activities to friendly social meet-ups. It’s a great chance to try something new, connect with others, and enjoy a well-deserved break.
📅 How to Book
You can view the Be Connected programme by clicking here.
Or get in touch with us:
📧 bookings@peopleplus.co.uk
📞 0300 111 9000
If you have ideas or suggestions for future sessions, we’d love to hear from you.
by J | Oct 1, 2025 | News
🍁 Our Autumn Newsletter is Here! 🍁
We’re delighted to share our Autumn Newsletter with you. As the seasons change, we hope you find the articles inside both helpful and uplifting in your caring role.
👉 Click here to view or download the Autumn Newsletter
If your caring situation has changed recently—whether you’ve taken on new responsibilities or your role has come to an end—please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to support you.
📞 Call: 0300 111 9000
📧 Email: carers@peopleplus.co.uk
📬 Write to: Gloucestershire Carers Hub, c/o Omega Resource, Head Office, Omega House, Bond’s Mill, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3RF
We’d also love to hear your thoughts on the newsletter. If you have any feedback, please email bookings@peopleplus.co.uk
by J | Sep 26, 2025 | News
🍂 Welcome to Our October ‘Be Connected’ Programme
We’re delighted to share our October 2025 activities and sessions created especially for unpaid carers across Gloucestershire. Whether you’d like to bring along the person you care for or take some time just for yourself, there’s something here for everyone.
🌻 Out and About in the Community
This month’s programme is packed with in-person and online sessions across the county – from creative workshops and wellbeing activities to friendly social meet-ups. It’s a great chance to try something new, connect with others, and enjoy a well-deserved break.
📅 How to Book
You can view the Be Connected programme by clicking here.
Or get in touch with us:
📧 bookings@peopleplus.co.uk
📞 0300 111 9000
If you have ideas or suggestions for future sessions, we’d love to hear from you.
by J | Aug 21, 2025 | News
Have Your Say: Co-Production Session for Unpaid Carers
We’re inviting unpaid Carers to join our co-production sessions, where we’ll work together to explore how support services, especially around hospital stays, can better meet your needs.
These sessions are part of a growing series of conversations and activities, held both online and in person, designed to create meaningful change with the people who understand caring best: you.
We kicked things off with some online workshops in August and are now moving forward with in-person sessions.
If you couldn’t make it before, don’t worry, you don’t need to have attended previous sessions to take part. Each workshop adds to the bigger picture, but every voice matters on its own.
Expect a relaxed, welcoming space where your experiences will help shape real improvements. There’ll be refreshments, friendly faces, and some creative activities, but don’t let that put you off.
You don’t need to be “artistic” to take part. It’s all about expressing ideas in different ways, and you’ll be supported every step of the way.
🗓 Upcoming Sessions:
Tuesday 2nd September
11:45am – 1:15pm
Coproduction Workshop
The Green Room, Churchdown Community Association, Parton Road, Churchdown, Gloucester, GL3 2JH
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Online Poetry Group
6:00pm – 9:30pm
Wellbeing Group at CANDI, Cinderford
Wednesday 3rd September
9:30am – 3:00pm
NHS Bus, Fairford Market
These sessions are facilitated by Fora Design, working as a creative partner with PeoplePlus to ensure your insights lead the way.
You’re Invited: Co-Production Online Session for Unpaid Carers
We’re inviting unpaid Carers to join us for some online co-production sessions, where we’ll begin exploring how support services can better meet your needs, specifically working around hospitalisation experiences to start.
This is the start of a longer series of conversations and activities both online and in person focused on co-producing change with the people who know caring best: You. This will be facilitated by Fora Design, working as a creative partner with PeoplePlus on this project.
This is a space for listening, sharing, and shaping support services together. Whether you’ve taken part in co-production before or this is your first time, your voice is welcome and valued.
Please feel free to join whichever time suits you best.
We would love for you to come to one of the sessions on the day if you are available.
Thursday 28th August
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
To access the sessions please register using this link: https://forms.gle/JPvs86tztuZt4oKk7