Derbyshire Carers Association

19/06/2026

Supporting Carers in Cancer Care 💙

Michelle Jacklin from the Macmillan Information and Support Centre - Chesterfield Royal Hospital is an incredible advocate for unpaid Carers and a valued partner of Hconnect 🤝

Since joining the Hconnect project from the very beginning, Michelle has worked closely with Hconnect Hospital Liaison Worker, Claire Travis to support unpaid Carers and drive meaningful improvements 🌱

Through this strong partnership between hospital and community services, they have achieved some truly remarkable outcomes ⭐

Michelle has also authored a study titled:
“The needs of people with Carer responsibilities in cancer care: exploring the support services available and the barriers to engagement”, which is due to be published in the British Journal of Nursing 📖

This work highlights the importance of collaboration and is a powerful example of how joint working across services can bring about positive, lasting change for Carers 🙌

18/06/2026

Meet our fantastic Carers, Colin and Graham who attend our regular Ripley Carers Group (Left, Colin and Right, Graham) 💜

Colin and Graham both completed their 100th whole blood donations. It’s taken both Colin and Graham approximately 40 years to accomplish this milestone – what an amazing achievement! Well done to you both! 🏆👏🏻

18/06/2026

🔎 Young Carer identification in Derbyshire schools continues to grow.

The latest School Census shows that Derbyshire schools have increased the number of recorded Young Carers from 152 in 2023 to 368 in 2026 – an increase of 142% 📈

This is significant progress and reflects the commitment of schools across Derbyshire to recognising and supporting children whose caring responsibilities might otherwise remain hidden.

Every Young Carer identified is a child who is more likely to be understood, supported, and able to access the opportunities they deserve in education.

The increase in identification is not simply about recording numbers. It is about making visibility possible.

Because when Young Carers are seen, they are more likely to be understood. When they are understood, they are more likely to receive the right support. And when support is in place, educational opportunities are better protected 💜

While this progress is worth celebrating, we know there is still more work to do. National estimates suggest there may be around 2–3 Young Carers in every classroom, meaning many children and young people remain unidentified.

Thank you to all the schools, trusts, governors and professionals who continue to champion Young Carers across Derbyshire.

Whether you're just starting your young carers journey or looking to strengthen existing provision, the Education Liaison Team is here to help.

📩 Drop us an email at [email protected] and we'd be happy to arrange an initial conversation.

Seen. Supported. Succeeding.

Because caring responsibilities should never quietly limit a child's opportunity to attend, belong, achieve and dream about their future.

18/06/2026

☕ Melbourne Stroke support group drop in ☕

Our Carer Support Worker will be visiting the Melbourne Stroke support group to offer advice, support, and a friendly chat for Carers.

📅 Friday 19th June 2026
🕙 10am - 12.30pm
📍 High St, Melbourne, Derby, DE73 8GJ

If you're a Carer, come along to find out what support is available to you - no need to book!

📧 For more info, contact Claire Barker & Alison Thornhill :

📞 01332 863585

17/06/2026

🌿During May half term, a group of Young Carers visited Rhubarb Farm CIC for a day of animal care, gardening and pond dipping.

They had lots of fun and some much needed 'chill' time whilst enjoying the benefits of being outdoors 💜😊

17/06/2026

☕ Memory Loss Carers Support Group – Online
3rd Thursday of every month, next one is on 18th June
2pm - 3:30pm | Microsoft Teams

Are you caring for someone with memory loss? Whether you're new to the role or have years of experience, you're warmly invited to join our supportive online group.

✅ No diagnosis needed
✅ A mix of new and experienced Carers
✅ Friendly chats, guest speakers, creative workshops, and more

This group is all about you - your needs, your experiences, and connecting with others who truly understand.

💻 Held on Microsoft Teams - we’re happy to help if you’re unfamiliar with it.

📞 For more info, contact Joanne Askew:
📧 [email protected]
📱 01773 833833

Let’s share, support, and grow together - one cuppa at a time.

17/06/2026

🎉 Carers Celebration at the Derwent Unit (The Hive)

📅 Saturday 20th June
📍 Venue: The Hive, Calow, Chesterfield, S44 5BL
🕓 from 2.30pm - 4pm

There will be cakes and drinks available for everyone 🍰

The event is a chance to celebrate all that Carers do and how much they are appreciated. Please see the poster attached.

17/06/2026

Hconnect are proud to have partnered with Live Life Better Derbyshire to deliver the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign across the county 💙

Over the course of the week (w/c 11th May), we visited four local sites – St Oswald's Hospital, Chesterfield Library, Blythe House Hospice , and the Imperial Rooms in Matlock 📍

Bringing vital health checks and information directly into the community

It was a fantastic week, giving Carers the opportunity to access lifestyle advice and receive support tailored to their caring role 🌱

We were delighted to connect with so many people, helping to raise awareness of blood pressure and promote healthier lifestyles 😊

Derbyshire Libraries Matlock Town Council & Imperial Rooms

16/06/2026

A huge thank you to Clubbercise & Fitness Sheffield and Derbyshire with kirsty for gifting our Carers a fantastic chair-based exercise class to celebrate Carers Week, last week 💙

Everyone had such a great time - there was plenty of singing, dancing, and laughter, with high spirits all round! 🎶💃 It was wonderful to see everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves.

We were also delighted that Emma Richards from Age UK joined us and took part in the session - it was lovely to have you with us!

After the class, we all enjoyed a nice chat together, which made the afternoon even more special.

A truly brilliant way to end Carers Week - thank you again to everyone involved! 😊

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�Clubbercise Sheffield and Derbyshire With kirsty

�Community Fitness instructor

16/06/2026

The Hconnect team had a fantastic day last month at the Heanor Community Advice Day, hosted by local MP Linsey Farnsworth MP – 16th May 2026 🎉

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet local Carers and connect with a range of community support services 🤝

We had a great day building new relationships, sharing advice, and offering support to everyone who visited our stand 💬

Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and speak with us – we really enjoyed being part of such a positive and supportive community event! 😊