Lanarkshire Carers Commemorates 30 Years of Supporting Carers with Plaque Unveilings

03 November 2025

Lanarkshire Carers celebrates 30 years of providing vital support to unpaid carers in Lanarkshire with special plaque unveilings at Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Hamilton and Airdrie. The plaques commemorate three decades of dedicated service to the local community

Founded in 1995 by a small group of carers who came together in a community hall with a shared goal: to improve the lives of people who look after someone else, the people who care. Lanarkshire Carers has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that, as the needs of carers continue to evolve, they have the resources and support they need

Francine O’Donnell, Carer Services Manager, said:

“Today marks a special moment as we unveil these plaques to celebrate 30 years of Lanarkshire Carers. Looking back to 1995, we are proud of how far we’ve come and the difference we’ve made in supporting carers in our community. These plaques are a symbol of our commitment, compassion, and the dedication of every carer, staff member, volunteer, and partner who has shaped our story.

The full team we have here is truly fantastic. Together, they have created a culture where carers are always at the heart of everything we do, but also one where colleagues support each other along the way.

Our work has always been guided by our values. We are proud of our achievements and determined to keep evolving, embracing change and innovation to empower carers for years to come.

It has been a privilege to be part of this journey and to witness daily the impact we make. We will continue to ensure that those who provide such invaluable care for others are never alone and always have access to the support they need.”

The unveiling of these plaques serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role carers play in the community, symbolising the organisation’s rich history working with and for carers to make a positive difference to their lives, and its continuous drive to improve the lives of carers across Lanarkshire.

The unveiling events were part of a series of celebrations throughout 2025, including a Summer Dance held during Carers Week and at Lanarkshire Carers Annual General Meeting (AGM). Carers, staff, board members, and representatives from the University Health and Social Care Partnerships of North and South Lanarkshire joined to reflect on the past three decades and celebrate the milestone.

Samar Sheikh, Chairperson, said:

“Reaching this remarkable 30-year milestone is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Lanarkshire Carers. We’ve come a long way since the early days when a small group of carers came together with a vision for better support.

This anniversary is a celebration of the strength and resilience of the carers we serve, as well as the incredible staff, volunteers, and partners who work tirelessly to make a difference.

As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: to continue advocating for and supporting carers, ensuring they receive the recognition and resources they deserve for the invaluable role they play in our communities."

This sentiment was echoed by carers in attendance, who spoke about the invaluable resources Lanarkshire Carers provides, from emotional support to practical advice on navigating the challenges of caring. For many, the organisation has been an essential part of their journey, offering not just the information they need but also a sense of community and understanding.

Michelle, a carer from Hamilton who helped unveil one of the plaques, said: “Lanarkshire Carers has been a lifeline for me and my family. I don’t know where I’d be or how I would have managed to remain a parent carer to my lovely daughter if it wasn’t for the dedicated support at Lanarkshire Carers. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done, and the unveiling of these plaques is a wonderful recognition of their hard work.”

As Lanarkshire Carers moves into the next phase of its journey, it remains committed to being a beacon of support for carers across Lanarkshire, empowering them with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to thrive. With the continued backing of local partners and carers, the organisation is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.