Bexley is marking National Carers Week 2026 with a series of free events designed to celebrate, support and thank unpaid carers across the Borough.
National Carers Week, which takes place from 8 to 14 June, is an annual campaign that raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and recognises the vital contribution they make to families, communities and health and care services. In Bexley, unpaid carers play a crucial role in supporting loved ones, often while balancing work, family life and their own wellbeing.
To mark the occasion, three free events are taking place across the Borough throughout June, offering opportunities to access information, advice, well-being activities and peer support.
Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:
National Carers Week is an important opportunity to recognise the often unseen, invaluable contribution unpaid carers make every day. These events will not only celebrate carers and the vital role they play in our communities, but also provide access to information, advice and support, with a focus on their own well-being."
The first event takes place at the Bexley Holiday Inn on Monday 8 June, from 10am to 2pm, marking the start of National Carers Week. This is the fifth year the event has been held at the venue, with attendance growing each year.
Organised by the Bexley Carers Partnership, which brings together the Local Authority, NHS and local charities, the day has evolved through regular feedback from carers and ongoing engagement with local carers' groups.
The Holiday Inn event has become a regular fixture during Carers Week, attracting well over 100 unpaid carers. There will be information on support and advice available from a range of organisations, alongside discussions and practical tips on managing stress, looking after mental health, direct payments and other important aspects of health and nutrition.
Every carer attending will receive a gift bag on arrival, a free buffet lunch and refreshments. There will also be a range of complimentary wellbeing activities, including massage, reiki, sound baths, gentle exercise sessions and a singing group. Just as importantly, the event provides an opportunity to meet other carers in a relaxed and informal setting.
The second event takes place on Tuesday 16 June, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, when Bexley Voice will host a SEND Summer Marketplace at Danson Youth Centre.
The free drop-in event is open to anyone caring for a loved one with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Visitors will be able to find out about available support services and discover activities taking place throughout the summer. Bexley Carers Partnership will also bring a number of activity providers to the event, giving attendees the opportunity to take part in free sound bath and yoga sessions, or enjoy a relaxing massage or reiki treatment.
A third event will be held on Tuesday 30 June in partnership with Belvedere Gurdwara.
Alongside a marketplace of support organisations, carers will be able to participate in activities including Tai Chi, sound baths and yoga sessions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy langar, a traditional meal prepared by volunteers at the Sikh temple. Shared communally, langar is intended to promote equality, inclusion and a sense of community.
The event follows on from a successful carers event held at Erith Leisure Centre in 2024 and reflects the partnership's ongoing commitment to supporting the needs of carers in North Bexley.
All unpaid carers are welcome to attend.
To find out more and book a free place at an event, visit the Bexley Carers website.
The Bexley Voice SEND Summer Marketplace is a free drop-in event and does not require booking. For more information, visit the Bexley Voice SEND website.
To keep up to date with future events for unpaid carers, visit the Bexley Carers Partnership website and sign up to the newsletter.
If you are unable to book your place online, call 07927 393799.