Carers celebrated at launch of the Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service
Published 1 December 2025
Unpaid carers from across Peterborough came together this November to celebrate the official launch of the Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service (PCWS), now delivered by national health and social care charity Making Space on behalf of Peterborough City Council (PCC).
Held on Tuesday 25 November at the KingsGate Conference Centre, the event also marked Carers Rights Day 2025, which took place on Thursday 20 November. This year’s theme, “Know your rights, use your rights,” focuses on empowering carers with the knowledge and confidence to access the support they are entitled to.
The event brought together carers, local organisations, and representatives from Making Space and PCC, including Council Leader Dr Shabina Qayyum, Karen Kelley, Strategic Operational Lead for Adult Carers, and Councillor Neil Boyce, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care. The celebration highlighted the essential contribution carers make to their families and communities, and introduced the refreshed service offer now in place under Making Space.
Guests enjoyed a morning centred on wellbeing and connection. Activities included henna art, hand massages delivered by Community Butterfly Volunteers from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, arts and crafts sessions led by Making Space volunteers and carers, and a relaxing foot spa generously donated by IKEA via the Peterborough Family Hub. An NHS pop-up clinic was also available on the day, offering on-the-spot vaccinations.
Carers took part in interactive activities and contributed to message boards celebrating their caring journeys, while a buffet brunch created space for carers to meet, reflect, and share their experiences.
Karen said:
The launch of the Carers Wellbeing Service was truly inspiring and uplifting. It offered practical resources, a strong sense of community, and emphasised the importance of self-care and empowerment for carers. The event also created valuable opportunities to connect with professionals, share ideas, and strengthen support networks across Peterborough. With this new service complementing existing initiatives, support for carers in our city is going from strength to strength!
The celebration also introduced the PCWS offer in full, which includes personalised one-to-one support, wellbeing activities, and peer groups for unpaid carers aged 18 and over. Carers can also access support to develop Emergency Support Plans, helping them prepare for unexpected events.
Making Space Chief Executive Rachel Peacock said:
What a fantastic turnout for the launch of the Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service. It was wonderful to meet so many carers and partners coming together to celebrate and connect. We’re honoured to walk alongside local carers to ensure they feel supported, valued, and have access to the resources they need.
Making Space is proud to continue and build upon the strong foundations of support already in place here in Peterborough. Our aim is to strengthen that work through compassion, partnership, and a focus on wellbeing - ensuring every carer feels recognised for the vital role they play.
It was also great to see our colleagues from the NHS waving the flag for health and wellbeing, offering flu vaccinations and advice on the day - a brilliant example of how collaboration can make a real difference.
Councillor Neil Boyce, added:
The Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service provides a lifeline for carers across the city, assisting with both emotional and practical support and opportunities to meet with others and share their stories. We are so pleased that this the service has launched and that this event was able to take place. Unpaid carers play a vital role in our community, and it is only right that we celebrate them in this way.
For many carers, the launch event offered a moment of connection and recognition. One carer shared:
It was an amazing and fun event. It’s lovely to have help and support from the Carers Wellbeing service. I’ve struggled for years without support as a parent carer, and this has made me feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.
Based in St Neots, you can find out more about the Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service here.
