Space @ The Broomhouse Hub concluded Carers Week 2026 (8-14 June) with a magical celebration of local carers on Saturday, 13 June.
We welcomed 85 members of the South West Edinburgh carers support community to The Hub for an afternoon of crafts, balloons, music, and so much more.
Folks of all ages enjoyed a charming performance by magician Craig Roe and cuddled up with exotic animals from Wild Encounters, between designing beaded bracelets, painting rocks, planting flowers, and blowing bubbles.
This year’s Carers Week theme, ‘Building Carer-Friendly Communities’, focuses on creating places, spaces, services, and groups where unpaid carers are recognised, understood, and supported.
According to research published by Carers UK, nearly half of the UK adult population (aged 18 and older)—some 24.8 million people—have provided unpaid care to a family member, friend, or neighbour at some point in their lives. Of those, 11.6 million currently provide unpaid care.
Census 2021 data suggests that in Scotland, the overall number of carers increased by 27.5 percent over the previous 10 years.
To help combat the stigma associated with caring, the annual Carers Week campaign raises awareness of caring, highlights challenges faced by unpaid carers, and helps people identify as carers and access support.
Carers Week 2026 was organised by Carers UK, alongside charity supporters Age UK, Carers Trust, The ME Association, MND Association, Rethink Mental Illness, and The Lewy Body Society.
Together, the seven groups welcome individuals and organisations to join them in raising awareness to increase visibility for carers with decision makers, services, employers, communities, and businesses.
Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, which has supported carers of all ages for many years, runs regular group sessions for young carers (aged five to 18) and young adult carers (aged 16 to 25), as well as monthly meetings for adults (aged 25 and over).
If you or someone you know is a carer looking for help, or a cared-for person wanting to ensure your carer has the support they need, please get in touch via the contact details on our website.