You don't need a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes the smallest actions can help us feel more balanced, connected, and energised. That's why we've created our Autumn Wellbeing Challenge. The aim isn't to achieve perfection, but to encourage carers to take a few moments for themselves throughout the month.

Autumn Wellbeing Challenge

Why not see how many of these you can complete?

✅ Take a 10-minute walk outdoors
✅ Enjoy a hot drink without multitasking
✅ Call or meet up with a friend or family member
✅ Try something new, however small
✅ Spend time in nature and notice the signs of autumn
✅ Attend a carers group, activity, or wellbeing session
✅ Listen to your favourite music
✅ Read a chapter of a book or magazine
✅ Ask for help with one thing on your to-do list
✅ Do something purely because you enjoy it

Remember, self-care doesn't have to mean expensive treats or lots of free time. Looking after yourself could be as simple as taking a short break, having a chat with someone who understands, or giving yourself permission to rest.

Let us know how you get on!

We'd love to hear how many you ticked off the list above, or whether you did something else that improved your wellbeing.

Share your ideas with us by email or on our Facebook page. We may feature some of your responses on our social media.

Email: carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Many carers tell us that finding time for themselves is one of the biggest challenges they face. That's why we offer a varied programme of carers breaks activities designed to give carers an opportunity to recharge, connect with others, learn new skills and enjoy some time away from their caring responsibilities.

Whether it's enjoying a coffee and chat, learning a new recipe, getting creative, or simply spending time outdoors, these activities provide a valuable opportunity to focus on personal wellbeing whilst meeting other carers who understand the realities of caring.

Thank you to everyone who joined Caroline and Donna on the walk. We look forward to welcoming carers to many more activities over the coming months.

An emergency or contingency plan is simply a way of ensuring that important information is available if someone else needs to step into your caring role at short notice. It might include details about medication, daily routines, communication needs, emergency contacts, key locations, or anything else that would help ensure the person you care for remains safe and supported. Information about routines, preferences and important personal information can help others provide the right support during what can be a stressful and uncertain time. 

Having a plan in place can reduce anxiety for both carers and those they care for. It also provides reassurance to family members, friends and professionals who may need to become involved during an emergency. Even if the plan is never needed, many carers tell us that simply knowing it exists helps them feel more prepared and confident. 

When thinking about emergency planning, it can be helpful to consider:

• Who could be contacted in an emergency.
• Who has access to a spare key.
• Important medical information and medication routines.
• Daily routines and preferences.
• Communication needs.
• Information about pets, equipment or specialist care requirements.
• Where important documents can be found. 

At Portsmouth Carers Service, we can support carers to create a personalised emergency and contingency plan. We also offer a Portsmouth Carers Emergency Card, which can be carried in a purse or wallet and alerts emergency services or first responders that someone depends on your care. The card includes emergency contact details so that appropriate arrangements can be put in place if something unexpected happens. 

For carers who would benefit from a more detailed plan, we can help develop a comprehensive contingency plan and arrange for it to be attached to NHS records. This means that, where appropriate, health professionals can be alerted to the existence of the plan and access important information needed to support the person you care for if an emergency arises. 

Taking a little time now to prepare for the unexpected can make a huge difference later. While we all hope we never need to use an emergency plan, having one in place can provide reassurance that the person you care for will continue to receive the support they need, whatever happens.

To find out more please contact Portsmouth Carers Service on: 02392 851864 or email: carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

Portsmouth Carers Service runs a Young Adult Carers Group, offering a welcoming space where young carers can take a break from their caring responsibilities, meet others in similar situations and access support in a relaxed and informal environment. The group is a drop-in session, so there is no need to book in advance. Young adult carers can come along when it suits them, whether they would like a chat, some peer support, or simply the opportunity to spend time with others who understand the unique challenges of balancing caring with education, work, relationships and personal goals.

The group meets weekly (Wednesdays 6.15pm to 8.15pm) and provides an opportunity to build friendships, share experiences and access information about services and opportunities that may be helpful. Young adult carers often tell us that meeting others in a similar position helps them feel less isolated and more connected to their community. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to explore new ways of supporting young adult carers. We hope to work more closely with local organisations, including Motiv8, to expand the opportunities available, helping young adult carers build confidence, develop new skills, connect with their communities and access activities that support their wellbeing and future aspirations.

If you know a young adult carer who could benefit from support, friendship or simply a break from caring, please encourage them to come along. We'd love to welcome them.

For more information about the Young Adult Carers Group, contact Portsmouth Carers Service on: 02392 851864 or email: carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

A Carer Pledge can be as simple as raising awareness of carers within an organisation, ensuring staff know how to identify and support carers, promoting flexible working practices, or helping carers access the information and services available to them. By making a pledge, organisations demonstrate their commitment to creating a more carer-friendly Portsmouth.

We are asking carers, professionals and members of the public to help spread the word. The next time you interact with a local employer, healthcare provider, community group, education setting or business, why not ask:

"Have you signed the Portsmouth 100 Pledge to Carers?"

If they haven't, encourage them to find out more and consider making a pledge. Sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation to start meaningful change.

Every new pledge helps build greater awareness of unpaid carers across the city and strengthens the support available to them. Together, we can ensure carers are recognised, valued and supported wherever they live, work, study or access services.

Do you know an organisation that could make a pledge? We'd love to hear from them.

For more information about the Portsmouth 100 Pledge to Carers, visit the Portsmouth Carers Service website or contact the team to find out how your organisation can get involved.