Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Ealing and Hillingdon Community Come Together

On Tuesday, 10th June 2025, the Dominion Centre in Southall hosted a vibrant and deeply informative Carers Week Celebration.

Organised by the Ealing Carers Partnership and supported by various local organisations, the event honoured unpaid carers with a day of connection, education, and appreciation.

Carers Week 2025: Caring About Equality

This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, highlighted the challenges faced by unpaid carers, particularly those from marginalised communities and called for fair access to services, recognition, and support.

The event was a powerful reminder that equality means meeting people where they are and valuing every carer’s contribution.

What Ealing Carers Partnership Does

The Ealing Carers Partnership plays a vital role in supporting carers in the borough. They offer:

  • Free wellbeing activities and respite sessions
  • Emotional and peer support
  • Advocacy, coaching, and advice on benefits and entitlements
  • A friendly, approachable team always ready to listen

Their work helps connect carers with each other and ensures that no one caring for a loved one feels isolated. Contact: info@ealingcarerspartnership.org | Phone: 0203 475 9891 | www.ealingcarerspartnership.org

Event Highlights

The day began with a warm breakfast and the buzz of stallholders setting up their tables. The event featured over 20 stalls from community groups, charities, and local authorities offering support and resources for carers.

You can see more high quality photos off Sarah Howell’s Photography site. (You can login to view the photos with an email address)

https://sarahhowellsphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/27647126/

Agenda for the Day:

  • 11:00-11:25 – M2M Solicitors: Power of Attorney
  • 11:30-11:55 – The Continence & Tissue Viability Service: Good Skin Health
  • Break
  • 13:00-13:25 – Hospital Reablement & Independent Living Services with OT Equipment Advice
  • 13:30-13:55 – Green Doctors: Energy Saving Advice & Grants
  • 14:00-14:25 – Matthew McKenzie and Levi: The importance of poetry, carers week and community.
  • 14:30-14:55 – Open Q&A

Notable Stalls and Services

My Contribution and Stall

As a carer with lived experience and advocate, I hosted a stall from Carers UK also showcasing my self-published books and facilitated conversations around the healing power of creativity.

I also shared information about the Ealing Carers Partnership Poetry Group, which gives carers a voice and platform to express their lived experiences through poetry.

I also had the honour of giving a short talk along with Levi on the importance of Carers Week and poetry, reminding attendees that unpaid carers are the backbone of our care system. Many juggle multiple roles and deserve recognition, equality, and access to tailored support.

Levi’s Art Stall

Levi, a talented carer, brought her inspiring artwork to the event, drawing attention to how art can be both therapeutic and empowering for carers. her stall featured vibrant paintings and received wonderful feedback from attendees and carers who resonated with her creative expression.

Other stalls displayed

  • Dementia Concern provided vital advice and leaflets about dementia care in Ealing. Contact: info@dementiaconcern.co.uk | 020 8568 4448
  • Ealing Smokerfree Service (NHS) offered smoking cessation support, including educational materials and personal trackers. Info: www.nhs.uk
  • Ealing Mencap showcased their Parent Support Services and promoted upcoming events including:
  • Ealing Advice Service (EAS) gave guidance on benefits, housing, and debt. Contact: info@ealingsas.org.uk | Call: 020 8579 8429
  • Contact supported families with disabled children, offering walks, coffee mornings, and educational help. Email: ealing@contact.org.uk
  • Impact Theatre offered an immersive arts experience for people with learning disabilities. Their video installation was previously shown at Southbank Centre. Learn more at: www.impacttheatre.co
  • Carers Trust (Hillingdon & Ealing) offered advice on unpaid carers’ rights, mental health support, and emergency planning. Call: 01895 811206 | www.carerstrusthillingdon.org
  • Healthwatch Ealing collected feedback to improve health and social care. Website: www.healthwatchealing.org.uk | Phone: 0203 8860 830
  • Let’s Go Southall showcased local walking and outdoor fitness activities, focusing on mental and physical wellbeing. Instagram: @LetsGoSouthall
  • Harlington Care & Harlington Hospice informed attendees about respite care and end-of-life support. Email: info@harlingtonhospice.org
  • Ealing Council & Ealing Carers Partnership provided details on Direct Payments, carers assessments, and access to social care. Contact: info@ealingcarerspartnership.org | Phone: 0203 475 9891
  • NRS Healthcare promoted equipment services, OT assessments, and home improvement help. Website: www.nrshealthcare.com
  • Ealing Repair Café taught sewing and mending skills through monthly meet-ups. Visit: www.ealingrepaircafe.org

Final Thoughts

The Carers Week Celebration was more than just a fair. It was a statement: that unpaid carers are essential, valued, and not alone. It was great watching the community come together and celebrate.

With expert talks, inclusive activities, and a strong community presence, the event successfully spotlighted the importance of carers in our society.

With Lunch was generously provided, giving attendees time to network and reflect. Whether it was learning about dementia services, getting legal advice, or discovering new wellbeing activities, every carer walked away supported.

Visit www.ealingcarerspartnership.org for future events and continued support.