As the New Year unfolds, why not gift yourself a fresh experience? Caring for someone is both rewarding and demanding - and dedicating time to your own wellbeing is essential.

Join Our Carers’ Break Sessions

Enjoy a relaxing social time while preparing healthy meals in our cookery sessions, create something beautiful in our craft sessions, or find your 'zen' in our wellbeing sessions. You can find the latest schedule on our website: Carers Break Sessions - Schedule

Explore Wonderful Online Resources

Can’t get out? These free and low-cost online platforms let you learn, relax, or connect - all from home:

• The WEA – Wellbeing sessions and cultural experiences.
• Carers UK Share and Learn – Weekly live sessions including yoga and stress relief.
• Carers First – Monthly Zoom sessions with breathwork and stress tools.
• Virtual Village Hall – Free live and on-demand classes: gentle exercise, crafts, cooking, music, mindfulness, creative writing and more.

Join Portsmouth Activities

Looking for local inspiration? Try these free or low-cost options in Portsmouth:

• Family Saturdays at Aspex Gallery
• Community Gardening Clubs
• Wellbeing walks round Portsmouth
• Nature Watch in Victoria Park

Why Try Something New?

• Boosts wellbeing and mood
• Offers a sense of achievement
• Helps you feel less isolated
• Provides peaceful moments just for you

Even small choices - like an online craft session or a stroll in the park - can have a big impact.

We were delighted to welcome so many carers to the recent British Red Cross Emergency First Aid workshop at the Carers Centre. It was a fantastic session, and we hope to offer more opportunities like this in the future.

Did you know that British Red Cross research shows only 41% of people in the UK feel confident to help if someone is unresponsive and not breathing? In situations like these, every second counts – and even the most basic first aid skills can save a life.

If you’d like to learn more about how to respond in an emergency, here are some useful resources:

• British Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid
• St John Ambulance: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/translated-first-aid-resources/
• Resuscitation Council UK: https://www.resus.org.uk/public-resource/cpr-language-resources
• DefibFinder: https://www.defibfinder.uk/

One visitor recently asked about the nearest defibrillator – a great reminder of how important this information can be. The DefibFinder website and app allow you to search for the closest defibrillator by postcode. For example, you can easily check the locations near the Carers Centre.

Hopefully, you’ll never face an emergency, but if you do, having the right knowledge and resources can make all the difference.