An exhibition at Bath Central Library from 6 – 28 May will showcase artwork created by unpaid carers during a ‘Crafting your story’ course delivered in partnership with the National Trust’s Bath Assembly Rooms.
2026 marks the 30-year anniversary of The Carers’ Centre and the exhibition celebrates the creativity and achievements of unpaid carers living across Bath and North East Somerset, as part of a wider celebration of the three decades during which this small local charity has been supporting carers across the region.
Tania, who has been involved with The Carers’ Centre since 2018, said: ‘The Carers’ Centre has been a lifeline to me, offering support when I had no-where left to turn. I’m from New Zealand but my great-grandmother was from the south of England. Taking part in this project, and crafting my story, not only helped me deepen my connection with my local area, but provided me with a new sense of belonging, when my role as carer had come to an end.
Most of us will care for, or be cared for by a loved one, at some point in our lives. Caring can be the most rewarding thing that you do, but it can come at a significant cost to your own wellbeing. This course provided unpaid carers with a valuable opportunity to take time for themselves, develop new skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment – which mirrors the ethos of the way The Carers’ Centre works.
Jacqui Orchard, Chief Executive Officer of The Carers’ Centre, said, ‘There are an estimated 20,000 unpaid adult carers in Bath and North East Somerset, in addition to the 8,000 registered with The Carers’ Centre. Unpaid carers save the taxpayer millions, while quietly getting on with their caring role. But they need support – which is where we come in. We’re so pleased that this project is highlighting the significant contribution that unpaid carers make to the life of our BaNES communities, by showcasing their work and telling some of their stories.’
The crafting course was part of an outreach project delivered by Bath Assembly Rooms, that takes the ethos of the Rooms (currently closed for major renovations) on the road, exploring what social connection looks like for people today and how people can feel ownership of their heritage.
Katie Mehlig, Community Engagement Coordinator for Bath Assembly Rooms said “as part of Reconnecting the Rooms, we’re working closely with communities to help connect the people of Bath with the history of the city. Running outreach programmes such as this, provides a great opportunity for more people to engage with heritage who may not have previously. We hope those viewing the exhibition will see how creative workshops help tell the stories of carers in Bath and the importance of connection.”
The exhibition will be located in the exhibition space on the first floor of Bath Central Library, 19-23 The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AN, from Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. There are times during which the exhibition space may be in use, so it is advisable to contact the library before visiting.
Reconnecting the Rooms is a project that aims to bring people together in new ways and has been made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more about the project at: nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-assembly-rooms