23 July 2025

Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Webinar – Who’s Caring For The Carers? – July 2025

View and download the presentation slides here

 

The inaugural Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar was held on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, titled: 

‘Who Cares for the Carers?’ 

This inaugural webinar brought together a record-breaking c111 attendees, including stakeholders from across the health, employment, and voluntary sectors, to learn more about. The session emphasised collaboration, innovation, and the integration of employment support into health and community services. 

Presenters and Their Contributions 

Meeting Introduction: Angela Gill introduced the meeting, outlined the programme, and welcomed new and regular attendees. 

Community and Voluntary Sector Update: 

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive, Community First, provided an update on the community and voluntary sector, focusing on the 10-year Health Plan for England and its implications for the voluntary sector. Alongside Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, Tim highlighted potential funding opportunities, alongside concerns about the shift away from the voluntary sector and the proposed abolition of Healthwatch England. 

Carers UK Presentation: 

Michael Shan, Head of Carer Support, Carers UK, presented information about the organisation, its history, and the support it provides to carers. He shared statistics about carers and the amazing economic value they contribute. 

Princess Royal Trust for Carers: 

Kristieanne Gibbs, Deputy Operations Manager, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, discussed the services they provide, including carer support, emergency planning, and various events and training sessions for carers. 

Carers Together: 

Tracy Eldridge, Senior Project Worker, Carers Together, provided an overview of their services, including support for navigating the care system, providing a listening ear, and offering various activities, support groups for carers and their household support vouchers. 

Autumn Programme Announcement: 

Angela Gill announced the autumn programme for the health and well-being forums and the Hants and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network (HSPN) including upcoming webinars and face-to-face events. The next HSPN Webinar being held 1-2pm on Thursday 2 October – ‘Wellbeing in the Wild: Natural Approaches to Blue and Green Social Prescribing’. 

Any relevant organisational representative who is not currently a HSPN member and would like to be kept up-to-date, can register by contacting Community First:- healthforums@cfirst.org.uk