Care to Connect

11/06/2026

As Carers Week draws to a close, we'd like to extend an invite to all our local carers to join us for a relaxing Afternoon Tea at An Drochaid from 12.30pm this Friday (12th).

Whether you're looking to meet new people, share experiences, find out about local support, or simply enjoy a tasty treat, we'd love to see you there.

Caring for a family member, friend or neighbour can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding. This special afternoon is an opportunity for unpaid carers to step away from their caring responsibilities for a while, enjoy some delicious refreshments, connect with others who understand, and take time for themselves in a warm and welcoming environment. Everyone deserves a chance to pause, recharge and feel supported.

As well as the Afternoon Tea event, we'll also be running a social hub drop-in at An Drochaid from 10.00am to 12.00pm, so feel free to come along and join us for a chat and support from others in a similar position. All local carers are welcome to come along to both or either of these activities.

To find out more about our activities just go to https://www.caretoconnectlochaber.com/home

10/06/2026

We realise that finding the time to access help as an unpaid carer can come with its own challenges, where leaving your loved ones or finding a time to suit may prove problematic. If this is the case for you, we wanted to let you know about Mobilise Care, a useful digital tool that provides a wealth of advice, information and support for Carers.

It is a UK-based digital support platform for unpaid carers and its mission is to ensure that nobody has to navigate a caring role alone by providing information, community support, practical tools, and access to guidance from people with lived experience of caring. The organisation is largely led by carers and works on the principle that carers can learn from and support one another.

It is designed for anyone looking after a family member or friend who is elderly, disabled, or living with a long-term illness. Mobilise recognises that many people do not identify themselves as carers and aims to help those who may not yet be connected to traditional support services.

Its free online services include:
- A digital community app (the Mobilise Hub) where carers can connect and share experiences.
- Weekly email newsletters covering caring-related topics.
- Online "Cuppa" sessions where carers can meet and support one another.
- One-to-one support calls with carers' coaches.
- Email courses for carers.
- A library of articles, guides and resources.
- Financial support tools, including information on benefits and Carer's Allowance.
- Emergency planning templates.
- An AI-powered "Mobilise Assistant" that provides answers to common caring questions.

As well as the helpful app, the website also contains extensive information about:
- Emotional wellbeing and carer burnout.
- Financial support and benefits.
- Carers' rights and legal protections.
- Hospital discharge planning.
- Carer's Assessments.
- Building support networks and accessing respite.
- Practical advice for day-to-day caring challenges.

The platform helps carers access information, reduce isolation, and connect with support at times that suit them, including evenings and weekends.

To find out more, go to https://www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/

09/06/2026

Join us at Care to Connect Lochaber on Thursday 11th June from 11.30am to 1.00pm for a free Dementia Friends Training session delivered by Lesley Hellon, Dementia Advisor for Alzheimer Scotland.

Anyone can become a Dementia Friend. It's simply learning the small things that can make a big difference to people living with the condition. This friendly and informative session will help you gain a better understanding of dementia, discover practical ways to support others, and learn how together we can help make our community more dementia friendly.

Everyone who takes part will receive a Dementia Friends certificate and badge.

A little knowledge can go a long way, so come along and help us create a more understanding and inclusive community.

08/06/2026

As we launch Carers Week, we want to recognise the incredible contribution of unpaid carers across Lochaber and beyond. Many people provide regular support to a family member, friend or neighbour without ever thinking of themselves as a carer, meaning they may be missing out on valuable support, advice and financial help that is available to them.

At Care to Connect Lochaber, we are here to help carers navigate the challenges they face. Whether you need information and guidance, emotional support, help accessing benefits and financial assessments, opportunities to connect with others who understand your experiences, or simply a welcoming place to take a break and switch off for a while, we're here for you. Caring can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Our team and community are ready to listen, support and walk alongside you every step of the way. This Carers Week, if you look after someone and aren't sure what help is available, get in touch and discover how Care to Connect Lochaber can support you.

Find out more by going to https://www.caretoconnectlochaber.com/home

05/06/2026

It's Carer's Week next week and there's lots for Carers to get involved with. We start the week with a visit from Red Chair Highland on Monday 8th. They'll be delivering a useful digital session exploring health apps and the NHS Near Me service, helping you make the most of digital healthcare tools.

Tuesday 9th will focus on health and wellbeing, with activities designed to support both physical and mental wellness, while Wednesday 10th is dedicated to supporting carers of children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), featuring advice and support sessions alongside a fun fitness workout for parents and children to enjoy together.

On Thursday 11th, we'll also be hosting another Dementia Friends Training session, offering valuable insight into dementia and practical ways to support those living with the condition.

We'll round off the week with one of our popular social hubs, complete with a special afternoon tea lunch. Expect a selection of delicious treats, including homemade baking, providing the perfect opportunity to relax, connect and enjoy good company.

There's no need to book, just come along and join as at An Drochaid for any of the sessions.

To find out more about any of these, just go to https://www.caretoconnectlochaber.com/calendar

05/06/2026

As Volunteer's Week draws to a close, we wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who have contributed to Care to Connect Lochaber. Your generosity, dedication, and willingness to give your time have made an enormous difference to our work and the people we support. Whether you have helped prepare and serve food and drink, worked tirelessly in the garden, supported carers during activity sessions, shared your knowledge and experience, helped clear and organise spaces within the building, or assisted at special events, every contribution has been valued and appreciated. Your kindness and commitment help create a welcoming and supportive community, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do to help others.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities at Care to Connect, just go to https://www.caretoconnectlochaber.com/volunteering

04/06/2026

Volunteer with Care to Connect Lochaber

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, meet new people, and develop new skills? Care to Connect Lochaber is looking for volunteers to join our welcoming and supportive community.

We have a range of rewarding opportunities available, including:

- Befriending
- Activities Assistance
- Peer Support
- Gardening
- Catering Assistance
- Share a Skill

No matter your experience or background, we provide full training, ongoing support, volunteer benefits, and access to our project services and events.

Volunteering with Care to Connect Lochaber is more than just giving your time. It's an opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, make meaningful connections, and become part of something special. Every hour you give can make a real difference in the lives of others while helping you grow along the way.

If you'd like to connect with others, contribute to your community, and be part of a project that changes lives, we'd love to hear from you. To find out more or to register your interest, just go to https://www.caretoconnectlochaber.com/volunteering or contact us on 07539 872475 or [email protected]

04/06/2026

26/05/2026

June is shaping up to be a brilliant month, packed with opportunities to connect, unwind, learn something new, and celebrate the amazing people at the heart of our community.

We’ll be kicking things off with Volunteers’ Week, a chance to recognise and appreciate the incredible contribution volunteers make every day. Hot on its heels comes Carers Week from 8th June, where we’ll be shining a spotlight on carers and the invaluable support they provide to others.

To mark these special weeks, we’ll be hosting a wide range of themed activities throughout the month. Expect plenty of warm welcomes, conversation, and cake at our special Afternoon Teas, alongside dedicated wellbeing sessions focused on supporting carers to relax, recharge, and take time for themselves. We’ll also be holding a dedicated ASN Day, offering tailored activities, support, and opportunities to connect.

Alongside our themed events, many of our regular favourites will also be returning. Our Digital Skills sessions will continue to help people build confidence with technology in a friendly and supportive environment, and we’ll be heading back for another visit to Robyn’s Nest. Our much-loved Carers Social Hub will once again provide a relaxed space to meet others, share experiences, and enjoy a chat, while our Dog Walk & Talk session offers the perfect combination of fresh air, gentle exercise, and good company.

The month will also feature a couple of evening events, including another of our popular drop-in sessions. To round things off, we’ll be taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a special reminiscence evening as excitement builds ahead of Scotland’s huge World Cup clash against Brazil. Expect stories, memories, football chat, and plenty of national pride as we look ahead to the big match.

There really is something for everyone this June, and we can’t wait to see you there!

If you want to find out more about any of these sessions, just go to https://www.caretoconnectlochaber.com/calendar.

20/05/2026

If you're out and about in Fort William today, feel free to join us at our table at Robyn's Nest Tearoom & Social Hub for a chat, drink, snack or lunch. It's all on us. We're here if you want to talk about your caring role or if you need to find out more about how we can support you. We'll be here from 11.00am till 2.00pm.