Carolina House Trust

19/06/2026

What if growth didn’t just happen in routines, but in shared adventures, new experiences, and trying something different together?
A growth mindset is all about being open, curious, and willing to step outside your comfort zone and a family adventure day is the perfect way to practice that.

Here’s the twist:

Let everyone take a turn choosing the adventure!
(Big or small, it all counts!)

Adventure ideas to get you started:
• 🌳 A nature walk or mini hike in a new place
• 🍦 Trying a new café or making your own treats at home
• 🚲 Bike ride or park day with games and challenges
• 🎥 Family movie day - each person picks a short film or clip
• 🏡 “Tourist at home” - explore your local area like it’s brand new
• 🎲 Board game or puzzle challenge picked by different family members

Growth happens when we try new things, even if they don’t go perfectly. The goal isn’t the “best” adventure, it’s the shared experience, laughter, and learning together.

Let’s inspire each other! If you could pick your family’s next adventure, what would it be?

18/06/2026

Our training programme is now taking a short break for the summer holidays

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all carers and staff who have taken part so far this year—we look forward to welcoming you back to our training soon!

The good news… we have an exciting programme lined up from August onwards!

Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up:

📅 29/08/2026 – Sleep Smarts: Boosting Wellbeing Through Better Rest
📅 03/09/2026 – Consequences
📅 10/09/2026 – Adult Protection
📅 17/09/2026 – Continuing Care
📅 28/10/2026 – Vicarious Trauma
📅 05/11/2026 – The Power of Assertiveness: Communicate with Confidence
📅 11/11/2026 – Understanding Trauma and Supporting Recovery
📅 12/11/2026 – Child Protection
📅 24/11/2026 – Calm in the Chaos: Coping with Stress
📅 Date TBC – First Aid for Carers

📍 How to Register:
Carers and staff can visit the Community Hub to view sessions and secure their place.

Enjoy the summer break - we can’t wait to continue your learning journey later in the year!

17/06/2026

This Men’s Health Week, let’s take a moment to raise awareness, start conversations, and support the men in our lives to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Why it matters

Men are often less likely to seek help or talk about their health, whether physical or mental. Taking small steps can make a big difference.
Simple ways to support men’s wellbeing
• Start a conversation - check in with a friend, partner, colleague, or family member
• Move more - even a short walk can boost mood and energy
• Look after mental health - encourage talking openly and taking breaks
• Know the basics - stay aware of key health checks and when to seek help
• Take time out - hobbies, rest, and downtime are essential too

How we can all help
• Create safe spaces where men feel comfortable opening up
• Challenge the idea that asking for help is a weakness
• Lead by example - talk openly about your own wellbeing

Remember: looking after your health isn’t just for tough times, it’s something we all deserve to prioritise every day.

Let’s use this week as a reminder: check in, speak up, and take that first step.

13/06/2026

We hosted a Messy Play session for the Dundee Play Festival 2026 this week. We went along to Fairfield Community Hub, and met families who wanted to explore the benefits of messy play with their children. Our Support Workers offer this training regularly to our foster carers and it is fun for people of all ages. Thanks to the Hub for having us.

12/06/2026

What if a few calm minutes each day could help build stronger minds, better connections, and a more positive outlook?

A growth mindset isn’t just about learning new skills, it’s about learning how to pause, reset, and try again. Practicing calming activities together at home can help everyone feel more supported, focused, and ready to grow
Try these simple calming activities together:
• 🧘‍♀️ Family breathing time – 5 slow breaths in, 5 slow breaths out
• 🎨 Creative quiet moments – drawing, colouring, or crafting side-by-side
• 📖 Shared reading – take turns reading aloud or listening to a story
• 🌿 Mindful moments – listen to calming music or nature sounds together
• ☕ Slow-down chats – sit with a warm drink and share one good thing from your day

Remember: it’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about showing up, trying, and growing together.

Let’s share ideas! What’s your family’s favourite way to relax and reset at home?

11/06/2026

⏰ 3 days to go! – Chief Social Worker vacancy closing soon

There’s just three days left to apply for our Chief Social Worker role at Carolina House Trust, with applications closing on 14th June 2026.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role and help shape the future of care for children and young people within a values driven, high performing organisation.
• Lead at a strategic, organisation wide level
• Champion high quality Social Work practice and safeguarding
• Drive innovation and service development
• Be part of a growth mindset culture

If you’re an experienced Social Work leader ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply now: https://carolinahousetrust.org.uk/chief-social-worker/

10/06/2026

This week Nicola and Charlene have been visiting schools in Angus to do mock interviews with S4 learners. Charlene was in Forfar yesterday with Nicola in Monifieth today.

It was so interesting to hear what the young people were interested in pursuing after school. Whatever their goal, practice will make them better prepared. Facing their nerves and sitting in front of employers this week is already a big achievement. Thank you Developing the Young Workforce, Tay Cities for having us!

10/06/2026

It’s Bike Week and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the simple joy of getting on a bike and boosting our wellbeing at the same time! Whether you’re a daily cyclist or haven’t ridden in years, this is a great opportunity to get pedalling.

Why cycling is great for wellbeing
• Physical health: Improves fitness, strengthens muscles, and supports heart health
• Mental wellbeing: Boosts mood, reduces stress, and helps clear your mind
• Connection: Explore your local area or enjoy time outdoors with friends and family
• Sustainable travel: A small change that makes a big difference for the planet

🚲 How to get involved
• Swap a short car journey for a bike ride
• Take a lunchtime cycle to refresh your day
• Try a family bike ride – parks, seafronts, and quiet trails are perfect for all ages
• Join a local Bike Week event or community ride
• Dust off your bike and start with a short, gentle route

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ideas for families
• Turn it into an adventure: pack snacks and plan a mini picnic stop 🧺
• Create a fun challenge (spot nature, count landmarks, or map your route!)
• Let children and young people help plan the journey to build excitement

Top tip: Start small and go at your own pace, every pedal counts.

Let’s use Bike Week as inspiration to build healthier habits, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the benefits of cycling together.

Who’s joining the ride this week?

09/06/2026

It's almost time... for the Dundee Play Festival to begin! ☀️💦 🃏

We will be at Fairfield Community Hub on Thursday 11th June, bringing messy play to people of all ages. Come along from 10am to discover how play is good for you. More info and booking is on our website.
https://carolinahousetrust.org.uk/messy-play-for-all-ages-dundee-play-festival/

Fairfield Community Hub

We will be offering messy play to people of all ages at Fairfield Community Sports Hub during Dundee Play Festival.

08/06/2026

Congratulations to Calum, who is celebrating 15 years of service with Carolina House Trust. We would be quite simply lost without him. Calum looks after our finances, health and safety, administration and facilities. Rumour is, if you search 'any other duties' in an encyclopedia, you will see Calum!