People across Portsmouth are being invited to celebrate unpaid carers and explore a powerful new photography exhibition at a free Carers Week event in Victoria Park on Thursday 11 June.
Taking place from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Greenhouse Community Hub, the event forms part of Carers Week and Portsmouth100. Visitors will be able to view photographs submitted by local carers, enjoy creative activities, and find out more about the support available for unpaid carers in the city.
The exhibition showcases entries from Portsmouth Carers Service’s Portsmouth 100 carers photography competition, which invited unpaid carers to capture the places, moments and acts of kindness that help make Portsmouth a carer friendly city. The display highlights carers’ experiences and shines a light on the importance of building supportive communities where carers feel recognised, valued and understood.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health & Care, said: “Carers are the backbone of our city, making a huge contribution to families and communities across Portsmouth, often without recognition. This event is a chance to celebrate unpaid carers, hear their stories through photography, and encourage more people to understand what it means to build a carer-friendly city. I would encourage residents to come along, support the exhibition and find out more about the help available.”
The event is free to attend and open to anyone who wants to celebrate carers, support the local exhibition, and learn more about services in Portsmouth. For more information about the Carers Week Celebration Event and the wider programme of activities taking place during Carers Week, which runs from Monday 8 to Sunday 14 June, visit the Portsmouth Carers Service website Event Calendar – Portsmouth Carers Service.
Case study – Kelly
For years, Kelly never thought of herself as a carer. She was simply a mum to her son James, whose additional needs were picked up when he was around two.
Like many carers, Kelly didn’t know what an unpaid carer was, what support might be out there, or that things like Carer’s Allowance even existed. She carried on day after day, juggling appointments, waiting lists and worries, often feeling conflicted about the idea of being labelled a “carer”. “I dealt with everything on my own, just bare knuckles and getting on with life.”
Kelly moved to Portsmouth from Havant in 2025 and started attending the Carer’s Centre. She says: “I didn’t have high expectations. I just wanted to go somewhere, have a coffee, and talk to someone who understood.
“From the moment I arrived, everyone was friendly and welcoming. You hear other people’s stories and think, that sounds like me or that sounds like my child.”
She’s now taking part in the Connect to Work Programme and attending courses at the Community Learning Place in Portsmouth. She’s completed her Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification, joined wellbeing and relaxation sessions, and taken part in interview preparation workshops.
Find out more about the Carers Service on the webpage: Home – Portsmouth Carers Service