Adult social care
Recognising, supporting and celebrating unpaid carers in Walsall
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Next week, Walsall Council is marking Carers Week (10 to 16 June 2024) and recognising the invaluable work done by thousands of unpaid carers across the borough every day of the year.
Organised by Walsall Carers Hub, a free information and guidance event is taking place on Wednesday 12 June 2024 between 10am and 3pm at The Crossing at St. Paul’s Church in Darwall Street, Walsall.
Local carers are invited to come along and find out more about the year-round help and support that’s on offer to unpaid carers in the borough. At the event, they can take part in a series of wellbeing activities including yoga, Tai Chi and enjoy live acoustic music at lunchtime and free light refreshments. Walsall Young Carers Service will also have a stall at the event and will be sending out information packs and young carers resources from Monday 10 June 2024.
Anyone who wishes to attend the carer information and guidance event can call Walsall Carers Hub on 01922 616798 or turn up on the day.
“ It is so important that support is available for unpaid carers as they play such a vital role in our local communities. We recognise the huge contribution they make to families and communities throughout the borough, and I would encourage any carers to explore what support may be out there by attending this event, “
Present at the event will be the council’s new carers lead, Amandeep Rai.
“ I’m really looking forward to this event and talking to these individuals who make such an important contribution to those in need.
“According to figures from Carers UK, more than three quarters of all carers feel stressed or anxious, 49% feel depressed and half feel lonely.
I’ve worked in the sector for many years, but I also understand what they’re going though as I found myself becoming a carer when my dad, who is a resident of Walsall, was diagnosed with dementia.
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Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
This year, the theme is ‘Putting carers on the map’, highlighting the invaluable contributions of carers across the UK and ensuring their voices are heard loud and clear.
Walsall Carers Hub is led by Forward Carers, delivered by Midland Mencap, and funded by Walsall Council. The Walsall Carers Hub is based at 17 Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TU, and runs support groups, providing practical, financial and emotional support to unpaid carers living in Walsall or providing care to someone living there.
You can find out more about local support groups by contacting:
Walsall Council - https://go.walsall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/carers
Walsall Carers Hub - https://walsallcarershub.org.uk/
Forwards Carers - https://forwardcarers.org.uk/
Midland Mencap - https://midlandmencap.org.uk/
Notes to editors
- Carers UK estimates there are 13.6 million unpaid carers in the UK.
- 1.4 million carers provide more than 50 hours of care per week.
- Carers save the economy £132 billion per year.
- 40% of carers have given up work to provide unpaid care.
- 1 in 7 people in the workplace are also carers.
- Two thirds of carers are aged 51+
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