Carers Week 2026
Time for You, Together, 8–14 June 2026
Caring for someone can be rewarding — and it can also be tiring, isolating and relentless.
During Carers Week 2026, Somerset Carers (part of Thrive) is inviting unpaid carers across Somerset to take some time just for you.
We’re hosting a range of free activities where you can relax, try something new, and meet other carers who understand what caring life is like.
What is Carers Week?
Carers Week is a national awareness week that recognises the vital role unpaid carers play in families and communities.
This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities — celebrating the places, people and organisations that help carers feel welcome, understood and supported.
What’s on
From gentle nature walks and boat trips to afternoon tea, tours and sailing, there’s something happening across Somerset throughout the week.
You’ll find:
- Calm, welcoming activities
- Friendly staff and volunteers
- Other carers who “get it”
- Clear information about accessibility and support
Do I need to book?
Some activities need booking due to limited spaces, while others are drop‑in. Each event listing clearly explains:
- Whether booking is required
- How to book
- Any accessibility information
If you’re unsure, just get in touch — we’re happy to help.
Somerset Carers’ Events for Carers Week:
Monday 8th June 2026
Ferne Animal Sanctuary Tour – 12.30pm arrival, 2pm tour
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Wambrook, Chard, TA20 3DH
A few relaxed few hours strolling the sanctuary, meeting the animals and getting a private behind-the-scenes tour from the staff and volunteers at the wonderful Ferne Animal Sanctuary. This event is for unpaid carers and the person they care for. Start the visit by meeting in the hub for tea, coffee and cakes before setting off around the sanctuary. You’ll need suitable clothing and footwear for a farm environment, sunscreen, hat or waterproofs, weather depending. Meet the animals and have a look behind the scenes, a private guided tour will begin at 2pm. Please feel free to bring your own lunch or there is a cafe on site. There are toilets and the parking is free of charge. Most of the site is wheelchair accessible and disabled parking places are available. Please let us know about any additional requirements when you book. No charge.
Book your place by 4th June: Carers Week 2026 Ferne Animal Sanctuary Tour – Fill in form
Tuesday 9th June 2026
Sailing at Wimbleball Lake – 10am to 3pm
Wimbleball Lake Brompton Rogus, Somerset, TA22 9NU. What 3 words: https://w3w.co/fade.swordfish.sailors
Spend half a day or all day in stunning surroundings, enjoying time on the water on a selection of fully accessible boats, including a boat adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. Hoists are available for smaller boats. Free tea, coffee, drinks and cakes will be on offer. Feel free to bring a picnic and relax. This event is for unpaid carers and the person they care for. There is free parking and accessible toilets on site. For safety reasons, life jackets must be worn by all. PLEASE NOTE there is no phone signal in this area. Sat nav may take you to the main sailing/activities centre – you will find us at Sailability, which is the next turning along the small road and down a small steep drive. Please let us know about any additional requirements when you book. No charge.
Book your place by 4th June: Carers Week Sailability Event, Wimbleball 9th June 2026, 10am – 3pm. – Fill in form
Wednesday 10th June 2026
Afternoon Tea and Singer at Sheppy’s Cider – FULLY BOOKED
A free event for unpaid carers and the people they care for. Enjoy an afternoon cuppa and cake, listen to music, stroll around the wonderful orchards and along marked walking trails, and explore the farm shop, deli and cheesemonger. Free parking is available on site. Booking is essential (space for additional family members may be available closer to the day). You can let us know of any particular dietary requirements when you book. No charge.
Friday 12th June 2026
Gentle Accessible Narrow Boat Ride – FULLY BOOKED
Spend some relaxing time on the water with this narrow boat ride that will last for approximately 45 minutes to one hour. The houseboat takes up to 12 people and a barge that can accommodate up to 5 wheelchairs is also available. The barge is open top only, so please dress for the weather on the day. Enjoy tea, coffee and cakes and a chat. This event is for unpaid carers and the person they care for. No charge.
Pensioner Fair – 10am – 1pm
St Mary’s Church, St Mary Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3EQ
A free drop in event for the public to meet local businesses, charities, and community groups that provide services and support for older people across Bridgwater and the wider constituency. Hosted by Ashley Fox MP.
No need to book, just drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm.
Carers Tea Party – 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Drop in and enjoy refreshments at this free Tea Party organised by the Balsam Centre. It will take place in the Veronica Room. This event is for unpaid carers and the person they care for. There is free car parking in the main town car park. No charge.
No need to book, just drop in between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Tuesday 16th June 2026
Glastonbury Abbey Visit – 10.30am start
Become a History Explorer during a visit to the infamous Glastonbury Abbey. Experience the Abbots Kitchen Revealed and spend time in the museum and beautiful grounds. Some of your visit will be outside, so please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather on the day. Enjoy a cuppa and cake on us at the on-site cafe. This event is for unpaid carers and the person they care for. No charge.
Book your place by 12th June: Carers Week Glastonbury Abbey Visit 16th June 2026, 10.30am start – Fill in form
Wednesday 17th June 2026
Coarse Fishing Taster Session – 10.30am -12 noon
Badger Cross Lane TA11 7JF (please note this is a private lake and not Viaduct Fishery) What 3 words: https://w3w.co/pocketed.unsettled.geologist
A free taster session for carers to learn about and experience fishing. If you have your own fishing tackle and know how to fish, you are welcome to bring your own gear. Cold drinks and cakes/biscuits will be provided free of charge – you are welcome to bring your own hot food or drinks. This event is not suitable for those unsteady on foot or wheelchairs due to restricted access/terrain. Please bear in mind the open water and rough ground and dress appropriately for the weather on the day – umbrellas or sunscreen depending on the forecast. No bright or fluorescent clothing please. This session is hosted by Age UK. No charge.
Book your place by 12th June: Carers Week Coarse Fishing Taster Session – 10.30am – 12 noon – Fill in form
Thursday 25th June 2026
Somerset Wildlife Walk – POSTPONED DUE TO HEAT
Avalon Marches Centre, Westhay, BA6 9TT
Somerset Wildlife Trust will take us on a guided gentle nature walk starting at the Avalon Marshes Centre and out around Shapwick Heath. You’ll need suitable clothing and footwear, sunscreen, hat or waterproofs, weather depending. If you have binoculars, please bring them. Please carry a drink and any medication with you on the walk. There is a cafe, toilets, free parking and picnic area (feel free to arrive earlier and use the onsite cafe or bring your own food and drinks). Some terrain may be unsuitable for light wheelchairs and people who are unstable on their feet. Please let us know about any additional requirements when you book. This event is for unpaid carers and the person they care for. No charge.
Postponed.
Carers Groups
Our usual Carers Groups will be running during the week and you’re most welcome to come along.
Need more information?
📧 Email: somersetcarers@thrive.org.uk
📞 Phone: 0800 31 68 600