Carolina House Trust

21/10/2026

As we look ahead to Make a Difference Day on 24 October, we're celebrating the power of small acts of kindness and the positive impact they can have on both others and our own wellbeing.

Make a Difference Day encourages people to support their communities through volunteering, helping others, fundraising, or simply spreading kindness. It's a reminder that even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect of positive change.

This week, why not challenge yourself to make a difference by:
💙 Checking in on a friend, neighbour, or colleague
💙 Offering practical help to someone who may need it
💙 Volunteering your time for a local cause
💙 Sharing words of encouragement or appreciation
💙 Performing a random act of kindness

For foster carers and staff, making a difference is something you do every day. Whether it's a listening ear, a helping hand, or creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive, your actions have a lasting impact.

Research consistently shows that helping others can also boost our own sense of wellbeing, purpose, and connection. So this week, let's celebrate the difference we make, and look for new ways to spread kindness in our communities.

One small act of kindness could make someone's day, and yours too.

19/10/2026

A huge congratulations to everyone who took part in our Steptember Challenge.

Your commitment to staying active and supporting your wellbeing has been truly inspiring!

A special shoutout to our winner, David, who achieved an amazing 290,027 steps over the month - what a brilliant accomplishment!

Whether you walked a few thousand or hundreds of thousands of steps, every single step counts towards building healthier habits.

Thank you all for taking part.

16/10/2026

Growth happens when we try something that feels a little outside our comfort zone!

This week, why not explore a local spooky walk, ghost tour, or historic attraction? Many places offer family-friendly events with storytellers and live actors bringing local legends to life and creating things that go "bump in the night!"

Trying new experiences can help children and young people build confidence, face fears in a safe way, and create lasting memories together.

What's the spookiest place you've ever visited?

14/10/2026

As we approach World Menopause Day on 18 October, we're recognising the importance of understanding, support, and open conversations around menopause.

Menopause affects everyone differently, impacting physical health, emotional wellbeing, sleep, confidence, and day-to-day life. Whether you're experiencing menopause yourself or supporting someone who is, a little awareness can go a long way.

💜 Be kind to yourself and prioritise rest and self-care.
💜 Stay active, eat well, and seek support when needed.
🤝 If you're supporting a partner, friend, family member, or colleague, listen, be patient, and take time to understand their experience.
🤝 Remember that everyone's menopause journey is unique.

Earlier this year, we were pleased to offer a Menopause Awareness training session to the CHT community. A number of carers, both women and men, along with staff members, attended to learn more about menopause, its impact, and how we can better support one another through understanding and empathy.

Let's continue breaking down stigma, encouraging conversations, and creating a supportive community where everyone feels heard and understood.

Understanding menopause starts with conversation, compassion and support.

09/10/2026

This week, why not spread a little joy by writing kind, encouraging, or even silly notes for each other and hiding them in unexpected places?

Pop a note in a backpack, tuck one into a lunchbox, hide one under a pillow, or leave one inside a favourite book. The surprise of finding a thoughtful message can brighten someone's entire day!

Writing notes helps children and young people practise empathy, gratitude, creativity, and positive communication. It also reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

✨ "You've got this!"
✨ "Thank you for making me smile."
✨ "You're amazing just as you are."
✨ Or a silly joke to make someone laugh!

A growth mindset is about encouraging one another, celebrating effort, and helping each other believe in what's possible.

❤️ Write it.
❤️ Hide it.
❤️ Find it.
❤️ Share the smiles.

If you take part, tell us where your secret notes were hidden or share your favourite message in the comments!

08/10/2026

As an accredited Living Wage and Living Hours employer, we're proud to be part of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group, working alongside others to promote secure, fairly paid work across our communities.

On Monday, Charlene, our People & Development Officer was invited to attend a lecture at the historic City Chambers in Dundee by Stephen Sinclair from the Scottish Poverty & Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU) at Glasgow Caledonian University, exploring progress towards the Scottish Government’s legally binding target of eradicating child poverty by 2030.

While significant work has been undertaken, the discussion highlighted that the target is currently unlikely to be met. Child poverty levels remain around 18%, and achieving sustainable change will require several major policy interventions and long-term investment to drive meaningful progress.

The session was a powerful reminder of the important role employers can play in reducing poverty through fair pay, secure work, and supportive employment practices. We're proud to continue championing these values as part of our commitment to Fair Work. This commitment also aligns closely with our work supporting care experienced children and young people. We see first-hand the challenges that inequality can create, and the impact they can have on opportunities, wellbeing and life outcomes. By championing Fair Work principles and supporting young people to thrive, we hope to play our part in creating brighter futures and stronger communities.

07/10/2026

As we approach World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we're taking this opportunity to remind everyone in our CHT community that looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health.

Our carers and staff often spend so much time supporting children, young people, and families that their own wellbeing can take a back seat. But you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Here are some simple ways to protect and nurture your mental wellbeing:
💚 Check in with yourself and acknowledge how you're feeling.
💚 Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge.
💚 Stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues.
💚 Take regular breaks and maintain healthy boundaries where possible.
💚 Prioritise sleep, physical activity, and nutritious food.
💚 Reach out for support if you're struggling. You don't have to manage alone.

Remember, experiencing challenges with your mental health is part of being human. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This week, take a few moments to do something kind for yourself and encourage those around you to do the same.

Together, let's create a culture where it's okay to talk about mental health and where everyone feels supported to thrive.

06/10/2026

Join us on Microsoft Teams for our Annual General Meeting on 19th November. Sign up via our website: www.carolinahousetrust.org.uk

05/10/2026

02/10/2026

Sometimes the simplest activities can create the biggest opportunities for growth.

This week, why not spend some time baking cookies with your children and young people and then share them with friends, neighbours, family members, or people in your community?

Baking together helps develop new skills, patience, creativity, and confidence. Sharing what you've made encourages kindness, connection, and the joy of giving to others.

A growth mindset is all about trying new things, learning from mistakes, and celebrating progress, not perfection. Those cookies don't need to look bakery-perfect to make someone's day!

✨ Mix
✨ Bake
✨ Share
✨ Grow

If you take on this challenge, let us know what you baked and who you shared it with!