Carers Training, Breaks and Events

All activities are for Unpaid Carers registered with Derbyshire Carers Association only.

For more information and to book a place please contact Katie Matkin on 07773 173 416 or email Katie.Matkin@derbyshirecarers.co.uk   

Workshop descriptions are shown below the table below.

For support groups, including Dementia Carers groups click here 

Limited Workshops

First Aid Training - Wednesday 22nd September - 1pm, Wednesday 3rd November - 11am - via zoom
This informative, online First Aid training session will allow you to ask a range of questions and receive medical advice from an NHS paramedic, all from the comfort of your own home.
If you are interested and will require information on specific medical conditions, please specify this prior to the session to  ensure correct research and accurate answers can be provided.

Inspirative Arts - Mondays 25th October, 22nd November, 13th December - 2-3.30pm - via zoom
Join us for one of our Inspirative Arts sessions.These sessions are for you to enjoy as you create your art work, doodles and collages. You will be using pictures from  magazines, text or creating your own writing fonts and drawings to express your imagination, what you feel and is focused on the process more than the final product. So it's all about self expression and engaging in art for your own reflection and relaxation.

Halloween Crafts - Wednesday 27th October - 3pm - via zoom
Join us for some spooktacular Halloween craft making.
Make sure to book your place in advance to receive your pack prior to the class.

Relaxation Techniques with Sharon - Wednesday 10th November - 1.30pm - via zoom
Most of us have experienced that peaceful feeing when we feel relaxed. But when you’re busy, finding time for relaxing activities may not be easy. You know when relaxation is no longer part of your normal routine when someone asks you what you do to relax, and you can’t think of anything! If that’s you, then this workshop is for you. We’ll look at the benefits of mental and physical relaxation and practice some techniques. We will explore activities that you may not have thought of and by the end of the session you will have some activities that you can start using today that suit your lifestyle.

Manual Handling Training - Wednesday 17th November - 5.30pm - via zoom
Join us for some online manual handling training. 

Recycled Christmas Crafts - Tuesday 23rd November - 5pm, Tuesday 30th November - 2pm - via zoom
Join us for one of our virtual Christmas Crafts session this November, where we'll be creating some festive arts and crafts!

Supporting Carers in Employment Webinar - Tuesday 23rd November - 10am-11am - via zoom
Our online webinar provides an opportunity to learn about the issues of unpaid caring,how employers can identify and support those who manage caring responsibilities alongside their work and introduces our Carers in Employment Initiative.
The Initiative aims to support and encourage organisations to recruit and retain those staff who, due to their unpaid caring responsibilities, are at risk of leaving the workforce as a result of stress, ill health, lack of understanding and/or simply lack of time.

Employment Law Webinar - Thursday 25th November - 10am-11am - via zoom
Rotheras have kindly offered their time to deliver this workshop to better inform carers about their employment rights. The workshop will focus on employment protections and rights afforded to carers, to include consideration of flexible working requests and discrimination law.

Welfare Rights Clinic - Thursday 25th November - 11am-12pm - via zoom
If you are confused by the benefits system or just want to know more about what you can claim, this session will help. Eastre Leedham from Derbyshire County Council’s Welfare Rights Service will provide a quick overview of benefits including, means tested benefits and carers disability benefits. There will also be a chance to ask questions to seek the advice and support you need.

Christmas Quiz - Wednesday 1st December - 3pm, Monday 20th December - 11am - via zoom
Get in the festive spirit, and take part in this years Derbyshire Carers Association Christmas quiz.

Great Care Starts with You Workshop - Wednesday 8th December - 1.30pm - via zoom
If you struggle to find time for yourself and your needs, then this workshop is for you. During this interactive workshop we will look at what your current time challenges are, what your time zappers are, and we’ll explore what’s really holding you back from making time for yourself. By the end of this workshop you will have carved some time out of your busy diary that you can call your own and have activities to do that make you feel alive again. 

Crooked Spire Celebration of Carers Service - Thursday 9th December - 12noon - 1.30pm @Crooked Spire (Saint Mary & All Saints Church) Church Way, Chesterfield,S40 1XJ
To be seated for 11:45am, service to start at 12 noon
For Carers, the people they care for, family, friends and associated professionals.
Proceedings will include Carols as well as contemporary live music.
Tea, coffee and mince pies will be available following the service.

Regular Workshops

Book Club – 1pm - Monthly - via zoom
Join our Book Club and receive a range of books to read. The group virtually meets up fortnightly for a cuppa and a chance to discuss the chapters read with fellow carers.
Make sure to book your place in advance to receive your books prior to the events.

Chair Based Yoga - 1.30pm – 2.15pm – Alternate Tuesdays - via zoom
Sessions for all abilities - something to get you moving around and having fun!
Take things at your own pace and exercise in the comfort and safety of your own home, along with other Carers online

Cuppa and Chat Session - 11.30am – 12.30pm – Alternate Tuesdays - via zoom
Join our social group that meets virtually to have a friendly conversation and discussion around how we are coping and a chance to hear about the different hobbies, groups and activities we can get involved in.
Pop the kettle on, put your feet up and enjoy a conversation with likeminded Carers.

Exercise Class – 1.30pm – 2.15pm – Alternate Fridays - via zoom
Sessions for all abilities - something to get you moving around and having fun!
Take things at your own pace and exercise in the comfort and safety of your own home, along with other Carers online

Gardening Group – Online - 11am – Monthly on Mondays - via zoom
We will be running an online gardening group once month with jobs to do in the garden that month and other topics pre-chosen by attendees .

Shared Reading Group – 1pm – 2pm - Alternate Wednesdays starting 13th October - via zoom
In a Shared Reading group, poems, articles and stories are read aloud and then we share our thoughts:
what we liked / didn’t like, what we’re reminded of, how a story or poem makes us feel...
The aim is to relax and enjoy the readings and conversations that follow. These groups are welcoming and informal and there is no pressure to participate in any particular way. You can read, listen, talk, ask questions or just observe.
Since 2017, the Shared Reading groups have taken place in different settings such as libraries, Derby College, supported housing and the Royal Derby Hospital.

Writing Group - 6pm - 7pm - Alternate Thursdays starting 21st October - via zoom
Join us on a Thursday for our online expressive writing workshop, facilitated by experienced Derby based writer Sophie Sparham. Sophie will guide you through different writing exercises to help you experience the benefits of expressive writing.