Unpaid carers play a vital role in keeping families and communities across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan connected, healthy and supported. On Friday 10 October 2025, carers, professionals, and community partners will come together for the annual Cardiff & Vale Carers Assembly at Sophia Gardens Cricket Club.
The Assembly provides an important platform for unpaid carers to share their experiences, influence local services, and connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of caring. Sessions will explore support available for carers, key developments in health and social care, and opportunities to shape the future of services in our region.
Although in-person registration is now fully booked, everyone is welcome to join the event live online:
👉 Watch the Carers Assembly livestream on Facebook
A new Mental Wellbeing resource for unpaid carers
Regional partners are currently working together to create a new Mental Wellbeing leaflet for unpaid carers, which will be launched soon. This easy-to-use guide has been designed with carers, for carers, and shares simple, practical ways to look after your own mental wellbeing while caring for someone else.
The leaflet explains that mental wellbeing is about how we feel, how we cope with daily life, and what feels possible for us right now — it doesn’t mean being happy all the time or free from challenges. It reminds carers that looking after your own wellbeing is just as important as the care you provide for others, and that small, everyday actions can make a big difference.
It shares the ‘Hapus 8 ways to wellbeing’ — gentle reminders of things you can do, in ways that fit around your caring role, such as:
- Connections: Stay in touch with friends, family, and neighbours; advice lines and Dewis Cymru can help you find new support networks.
- Hobbies & Interests: Re-energise by returning to an old hobby or trying something new — even a few minutes a day can boost mood and resilience.
- Learning: Keep your brain active by exploring new skills or interests; local libraries and community hubs can help you find opportunities.
- Physical Health: Build simple activity into your day — a short walk, time outdoors, or everyday movement can support mental wellbeing.
- Our Thoughts & Feelings: Take a few mindful minutes each day to manage stress and encourage positive thinking.
- History & Heritage: Connecting with your culture and local heritage can bring a sense of belonging and identity.
- Creativity: Activities like music, painting, baking or crafts can help you express yourself and find new perspectives.
- Nature: Take time to notice and enjoy the natural world, whether in local parks or your own garden.
It also points carers to local advice lines, groups and support, including Cardiff Independent Living Services (02920 234 234) and the Vale Unpaid Carers Hub (02921 921 024), plus trusted resources such as SilverCloud online support, NHS 111 (press 2) for urgent mental health help, and Samaritans 116 123 for 24/7 listening support.
Why this matters
Carers make an extraordinary contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities. The Assembly is a space for their voices to be heard and to influence change — and this new wellbeing resource is designed to help carers look after themselves too.
If you’re an unpaid carer — or work alongside carers — we invite you to watch the Assembly live on 10 October and keep an eye out for the new Mental Wellbeing leaflet when it launches later this autumn.