Carers Week 2026
‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’
8th to 14th June
Richmond Carers Centre is delighted to support Carers Week once again this year. To mark the occasion, we have organised a special programme of activities and workshops for carers, which will be available throughout the month of June. This year’s programme focuses on helping carers improve their physical health and mental wellbeing, while also offering opportunities to socialise and connect with others.
Carers Week is a national campaign that raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges faced by unpaid carers, and recognises the vital contribution you make to families and communities across the United Kingdom. The theme for 2026 is ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’, highlighting the power of building carer friendly communities and the difference they can make to carers’ lives.
Carers Week encourages communities across the country to come together and recognise the enormous contribution made by unpaid carers. Everyone has a part to play in raising awareness and helping carers access the information and support they need, including politicians, employers, education providers, health and social care services, businesses, and the general public. To find out more about Carers Week 2025 and how you can take part, please visit carersweek.org.
Feedback from carers following Carers Week 2025
Last year, we were delighted that so many carers took part in our Carers Week programme. A total of 106 carers attended at least one of the 27 activities and workshops offered in 2025. We look forward to welcoming even more carers this year.
All the events have been absolutely fantastic and very well thought out. It has been a joy taking part! Thanks a million!
Yoga and Pilates classes were so relaxing. The classes allowed me to take time out for myself, meet new people and talk. The classes are good for the mind and body
Little Women at Richmond Theatre was especially fun and relaxing, and it gave me the opportunity to chat with other carers during the interval. It was a wonderful atmosphere to be at the Theatre. Marble Hill House tour was really interesting too, with a very knowledgeable guide
Both physically and mentally, I feel much better
RICHMOND CARERS CENTRE EVENTS
Email support@richmondcarers.org to register your interest in any of the activities below.
Registering your interest is essential as activities and workshops are in high demand. Spaces are allocated fairly, with priority given to newly registered carers and carers that have not attended an activity before. Please note that all activities and workshops are for adult carers registered with Richmond Carers Centre only.
Where applicable, please specify your preferred time and date when registering your interest in any of our activities. Please allow 10 days for an initial response.
Carers Week Activities
Kew Gardens – Walk and Talk
Enjoy the beauty of Kew Gardens in the best possible way. Walking and talking as a group offers both gentle exercise and meaningful connection, with the freedom to explore independently afterwards if you wish. Fresh air, seasonal colour and shared company make this monthly visit a favourite.
10.30am-finish
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Venue: Kew Gardens
Tea Tasting – Sip, Savour, Learn
Join us for a relaxed and flavourful session exploring the world of tea. With expert guidance, you will learn the fundamentals of tea and brewing techniques while tasting up to six speciality teas. A calming and sensory experience, perfect for slowing down and trying something new.
12.30-2pm
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Coffee Morning – Your Monthly Pause
Take a real break from caring responsibilities and enjoy a warm drink (yes, hot chocolate is allowed at 10am), biscuits and easy conversation with other carers who understand. This friendly, monthly get-together is a chance to relax, feel less alone, connect and catch up with familiar faces (or meet new ones).
10.30am-12noon
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Mobility Workshop – Flow and Fold
One of our most popular instructors is back to help you build practical steps to improving your wellness. This session provides, not only an hour of personal time, focussing on movement and strength, but a chance to develop something that you can take with you, allowing the mobility to flow into your daily life.
10.30-11.30am
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Venue: Eel Pie Island
Carers Week Boat Party
Join us for our opening party, to celebrate National Carers Week. We are getting together on a relaxed river cruise to connect, enjoy the water and mark the special programme of additional activities with a buzz. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, light activities and a few surprises along the way.
3-4.30pm
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Venue: Kingston
Cinema Lucky Dip
Enjoy a trip to the cinema with a twist. The film will remain a mystery until a week before the screening. Maybe you will get to see exactly what you have been waiting to be released or perhaps a show to challenge your taste. A great way to unwind, switch off and enjoy an evening out.
Evening
Thursdays 4th and 18th June 2026
Venue: Richmond
Art Club – Create, Relax, Connect
Our much-loved Art Club offers a welcoming space to switch off, get creative and enjoy good company. In this session, you will explore abstract mark making using collage techniques, with space to experiment and express yourself freely. Materials are provided and no experience is needed, just a willingness to have a go.
10am-12noon
Thursday 4th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Puzzle Coffee Morning – Gentle Challenge, Easy Company
Spend a relaxed morning working through wordsearches, crosswords and sudoku. Whether you prefer to focus quietly, collaborate with others or enjoy a bit of light-hearted competition, this session offers something for everyone in a calm and friendly setting.
10am-12noon
Tuesday 9th June 2026
Venue: Marble Hill
Carer’s Assessment and Carer’s Emergency Card Workshop
Find out more about carers’ assessments and how they can support you in your role. This practical session will also guide you through the emergency card scheme, helping you feel more prepared and reassured should the unexpected happen. Please note this workshop is only relevant for those caring for someone over the age of 18.
11am-12.30pm
Tuesday 9th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Ikebana Flower Arranging – Balance and Beauty
Discover the calming art of Ikebana, the Japanese practice of flower arranging. This mindful activity focuses on simplicity, balance and form, offering a peaceful and creative way to engage with nature.
12.30-2.30pm
Wednesday 10th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham
Top Secret Comedy Club – A Night of Laughter
Enjoy a night out at one of London’s top comedy venues, often featuring some of the UK’s best comedians. A great opportunity to unwind and share a laugh. Please note that content may not be suitable for all audiences as it contains strong language and adult themes.
7pm-late
Wednesday 10th June 2026
Venue: Central London
Bonus Art Club
Our much-loved Art Club just got better. We are adding a bumper session to keep up with demand for this hands-on experience. This session will involve ‘gelli’ printing and creating swatches for collage. Materials are provided and no experience is needed, just a willingness to have a go.
1pm-3pm
Thursday 11th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Kirtan – Music, Connection, Calm
Take part in a gentle and uplifting musical experience that brings people together through rhythm and voice. This session offers a chance to relax, connect and decompress both mentally and physically in a welcoming environment.
1-2.15pm
Thursday 11th June 2026
Venue: Mortlake
Chess Tournament – Make Your Move
Declare yourself Richmond Carers’ first chess champion from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are brand new to the game or a seasoned player, this online tournament is a fun and accessible way to take part. Participants will need to create an account with Lichess.
2-4pm
Tuesday 16th June 2026
Delivered: Online
Adult Social Care Clinic
An opportunity to speak with a social worker one-to-one and get advice, guidance and answers to your questions around adult social care in a supportive setting. Please note that this clinic is only appropriate for those caring for someone over the age of 18.
12noon-2pm
Tuesday 16th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Lunch Social – Good Food, Good Company
Back by popular demand. This is a relaxed lunchtime get-together giving carers the chance to step away from daily responsibilities and enjoy a shared meal in friendly company. Apparently, there is such thing as a free lunch.
12noon-2pm
Wednesday 17th June 2026
Venue: Teddington
Marble Hill House – Guided Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful English Heritage site while connecting with other carers. The session begins with a coffee before exploring the house and learning more about its history in a relaxed and sociable setting.
2-4pm
Wednesday 17th June 2026
Venue: Marble Hill House
Drumming Workshop – Rhythm and Energy
Explore the powerful and energising world of drumming. This accessible and engaging session connects mind and body through rhythm, leaving you feeling uplifted, grounded and revitalised.
11am-12.30pm
Thursday 18th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Mental Health Workshop – Supporting Yourself
A supportive session focused on mental wellbeing, offering space to reflect, learn and explore strategies to help manage the challenges of a caring role.
2-4pm
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Theatre Trip – Barnum
Enjoy an evening at the theatre with tickets provided for the opening performance of Barnum. A chance to relax, unwind and experience live performance in great company.
7pm-finish
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Venue: Richmond
Social Evening – Puzzle Mystery
Join us for a fun and interactive social evening with a twist. Work together to uncover clues, speak to fellow participants and piece together what is going on in this puzzle mystery experience. A great way to connect, get involved and enjoy something a little different.
6-8pm
Wednesday 24th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Diary Making – Create Your Summer Journal
Create your own handmade journal ready for summer. Fill it with holiday ideas, recipes, plans or reflections, and personalise it with your own theme. A creative and practical session with something to take home and enjoy. Materials will be provided.
11am-1pm
Tuesday 24th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
Men’s Club – Stroll then Sip
Is there anything better than a walk followed by a pint? Join us for a relaxed stroll by the river before heading to the pub for a drink and a chat. This is also a chance to share ideas and help shape future men’s activities.
12.30–2pm
Thursday 25th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green (start)
Origami – Fold, Focus, Relax
Take some time out to learn the art of origami. This calming and focused activity helps clear the mind while creating something decorative to take home. A gentle and rewarding way to unwind.
2-3.30pm
Thursday 25th June 2026
Venue: Twickenham Green
