Unpaid carers in Blackburn with Darwen are being invited to take part in a week of free events designed to connect them with support, advice and a bit of time for themselves.
Planning a night out? See the live What’s On in Blackburn calendar.
Carers Week runs from 8 to 14 June, with activities planned across the borough by BwD Carers in partnership with the Council. This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities.
The programme includes yoga, a brunch-style coffee morning with craft stalls, guided walks, wellbeing and mental health sessions, and an organised trip to Llandudno.
On Wednesday 10 June, BwD Carers will also host a celebration event at its base in Kingsway, close to Blackburn town centre. It runs from 10am to 12.30pm and will include lunch, refreshments, wellbeing activities, stalls and speakers, along with the chance to find out what support is available.
Councillor Jackie Floyd, Executive Member for Adults Social Care and Health, said many people give unpaid support to loved ones without recognising themselves as carers.
“Many local residents provide unpaid support to loved ones, often with their efforts going unrecognised. And some of these people don’t even identify themselves as carers.
A key factor defining a carer is if the person receiving the support wouldn’t be able to manage day to day living without it. In Blackburn with Darwen, we know there are over 13,000 unpaid carers, and our carers service is committed to recognising them and providing support.
Carers Week aims to put a spotlight on the many carers we have living within our communities who are providing this level of support to their loved ones.
I hope that carers will come along and get involved in the events throughout the week and seek out the support that is available to them.”
The council says carers may support a partner, relative, friend or neighbour with shopping, meals, cleaning and other daily tasks. They may also provide emotional or mental health support, attend appointments or help manage care.
People who provide unpaid care are entitled to a statutory carers’ assessment through the local authority. The assessment looks at the impact caring has on wellbeing, including physical and mental health, ability to work and day-to-day life.
Councillor Floyd said: “The saying goes ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ and it’s important that carers don’t neglect their own needs or wellbeing while caring for someone.
By having an assessment, carers can put in place the support they need to stay well enough and able to continue in their caring roles.”
For events that need booking, contact BwD Carers on 01254 688440 or email office@bwdcarers.org.uk.
Find out more about carers’ assessments at https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/adults-and-health/caring-someone
Carers Week 2026 events in Blackburn with Darwen
Monday 8 June, 10am to 12pm
Special Coffee Morning – Brunch Time
Homemade cakes, pastries, warm and refreshing drinks, music, crafts, stalls and more. Six stalls available for people to bring items to sell or share. Free. BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place, BB2 1NA.
Tuesday 9 June, 11am to 12pm
Gentle Yoga & Chair Yoga by Kate. Professional Women’s Fitness Coach with professional health advice for carers’ self-care. Refreshments provided. Free, booking essential. BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place, BB2 1NA.
Tuesday 9 June, 10:30am and 1:30pm
Hidden Blackburn Guided Walks. Two guided walks uncovering the stories, secrets and history of Blackburn town centre, including refreshments. Free, no booking required. Meeting point: Blackburn Central Library.
Wednesday 10 June, 10am to 12:30pm
Main Carers’ Week Celebration. Stalls, wellbeing activities, speakers, refreshments and lunch. Free, no booking required. BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place, BB2 1NA.
Thursday 11 June, 1pm to 3pm
Balance and Wellbeing Group. Picnic celebration. Free, no booking required. BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place, BB2 1NA.
Thursday 11 June, 10:30am
Carers Week Walk in Witton Park. Three walking options: easy, medium and longer, including refreshments at The Hub. Meeting point: Pavilion Café, Witton Park. Free, no booking required.
Friday 12 June, 9:30am to 11:30am
Parent Carers Breakfast. A chance for parent carers to meet and connect with others. Free, no booking required. BwD Carers, Kingsway, Greenhurst Place, BB2 1NA.
Friday 12 June, 4pm to 6pm
My Comic Café & Craft, for children and parents. The activity aims to help children develop social skills, with guidance from a children and young people counsellor. Ages 5 to 14 and parents welcome. Free, no booking required. McDonald’s, Mayson Street, Blackburn, BB1 1AQ.
Saturday 13 June, 8:15am to 5pm
Trip to Llandudno. Priority for new carers, with a maximum of two carers per booking. Cost £6.50. Booking essential.
