Coventry Carers' bulletin

This newsletter contains the latest news and messages from Coventry City Council and information about local community groups and partners who are offering local support.

In this issue:

• Welcome to November's bulletin
• Protect yourself against Flu this winter - Carers eligible
• Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather
• Warm Spaces this winter
• Lord Mayor's Carol Service
• Christmas dinner at the Dementia Hub
• Carers Trust - Carers Cuppa and Chat at UHCW
• Carers Trust walking group
• Save the date: Carers Trust spring expo March 2026
• Carers Trust Heart of England: activities in December 2025
• Carers Trust Heart of England: Drop ins for December 2025
• Dementia specialist Admiral Nurse service
• Smoke Free Coventry
• Myton Hospice: 'Listening Ear' carers support group
• The Myton Hospices telephone support line
• NHS App survey - have your say!
• Sign up or contact us

Welcome to November's bulletin

Hello and welcome to this month's bulletin.  

This year, Carers Rights Day was on Thursday 20 November and the theme was 'Know your rights, use your rights.' The day ended in the most incredible celebration of carers hosted by the Carers Trust Heart of England at their annual Carers Awards.  

Temperatures have plummeted recently and flu and colds are on the rise, we really strongly encourage carers to take up the flu vaccination which is free for people  who are the main carer of someone who is disabled or elderly or claiming carers allowance.

This bulletin contains information about how you can do that easily in Coventry.  

Protect yourself against Flu this winter - Carers eligible

Did you know as a carer you are entitled to a free flu vaccine, this year we're encouraging carers to get vaccinated as early as possible as the flu season starts early.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging all children and adults in the West Midlands region, who are entitled to a free flu vaccination, not to delay getting protected this year, as a carer you are eligible for a free flu vaccine.  

Flu rates has risen unusually early this season. The latest data confirms that this year’s flu vaccine offers strong protection and effective in preventing hospital admission.

Those aged 65 years and over, people with long term health conditions, children aged 2 up to Year 11, pregnant women, carers and frontline health workers are among those who are eligible.

Appointments can be made via the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119. The ‘walk in flu finder’ on the NHS app also allows people to find a pharmacy where they can walk in for a vaccine without an appointment.

Good respiratory hygiene is also key in preventing the transmission of flu and other viruses. Anyone with symptoms – including high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – should minimise contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water, and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated, and if you need to go out and have symptoms, consider wearing a face covering.

For more information, take a look at the NHS website.

Carers Awards - Carers Trust Heart of England

Carers Trust Heart of England proudly hosted its annual Carer Awards Ceremony on Thursday 20 November at the iconic St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry, bringing together more than 100 attendees for an evening dedicated to honouring a host of remarkable carers and community champions across Coventry and Warwickshire. The Carer Awards serve as an important moment each year for the local community to come together and recognise not only unpaid carers, but also the businesses, educational organisations and fundraisers who go above and beyond to support carers and the people they care for. The Carer Awards took part of Carers Right’s Day, a day all about raising awareness of the rights the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are entitled to, and to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve. This year’s ceremony was jointly presented by Pete Fahy of Coventry City Council and Jodie Cotterrell from Carers Trust Heart of England, who guided the audience through an inspiring evening reflecting compassion, resilience, and community spirit. A standout moment of the evening was the unveiling of Bear2Care, a brand-new mascot created to support young carers in schools across the region. The character was designed by Lily, a talented young carer whose creativity and imagination saw her deservedly win a competitive design competition. The Bear2Care mascot will now play a central role in engaging and supporting young carers through school-based initiatives. Carers Trust Heart of England expressed its gratitude to Severn Trent, the official sponsor of this year’s awards, whose generous support helped make the celebration possible and ensured that local carers received the recognition they so deeply deserve. They sponsored the Carer of the Year Award which was won by Bernie O’Brien (Coventry) and James Morrison (Warwickshire). The full list of winners can be found below. The event once again highlighted the invaluable role carers play within their families, communities, and wider society. Their dedication often goes unseen, but the Carer Awards aim to ensure their contributions are celebrated and remembered. Further information about Carers Trust Heart of England.

Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather

Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather

Plan ahead:

• check the weather forecast and the news
• make sure you have sufficient food and medicine
• take simple measures to reduce draughts at home

Keep yourself warm:

• heat rooms you spend most time in, to 18°C if you can
• keep bedroom windows closed
• wear multiple layers of thinner clothes

Prepare your home:

• check what financial support may be available for you
• use energy saving tips to save money on heating
• make sure appliances are safe and working well

Look after yourself and others

• if you’re eligible, get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19
• check on others who may be vulnerable
• get help if needed. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999

For more information go to the Governments top tips for keeping warm and well this winter webpage.

You ac also contact your water and power suppliers to see if you can be on the Priority Services Register, a free support service that helps people in vulnerable situations.

Warm Spaces this winter

This winter there’s lots of places all over Coventry that are free to call in to throughout the day where you can find a warm welcome as well as access information, take part in activities, or connect with other support. Please do pop by as the venues range from Libraries, The Job Shop, Community Centres, Family Hubs and The Belgrade Theatre. They look forward to welcoming you.

Lord Mayor's Carol Service

The Lord Mayor is pleased to share that the Lord Mayor’s Carol Service will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 8 December at Holy Trinity Church, 5A Priory Row, Coventry, CV1 5EX. This service will include traditional carols and readings to mark the season. The Lord Mayor would be delighted if you could join her for this special occasion.

Christmas dinner at the Dementia Hub

Christmas menu at the Dementia Hub

Christmas menu at the Dementia Hub – arrival time 12pm onwards, £15 per person available from 8 to 19 December. £5 deposit required.

Join us in the Forget me not café, find a seat, pull a cracker and have your Christmas jokes at the ready.

Main dishes

• traditional Christmas Turkey/vegetarian option available
• seasonal veg, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire puds and gravy
• please let us know any dietary requirements

Desserts

• warm mince pies
• double cream
• tea or coffee

Join us at Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub, Everdon Road, Coventry CV6 4DT.

Be quick because places are going fast. You need to book a place so you don't miss out by calling 02476 978080

Carers Trust - Carers Cuppa and Chat at UHCW

Carers Trust - Carers Cuppa and Chat at UHCW

Do you care for someone that couldn't manage without your support?

Connect with our wellbeing advisors for advice, information and support - for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. "You care for them, we care for you".

Next meeting takes place on Monday 1 December from 5pm to 6:30pm, Ward 40 Forget-Me-Not Lounge, University Hospital, CV2 2DX.

Carers Trust walking group

Carers Trust walking group

Carers' Trust Heart of England are inviting you to attend their walking group being held on Wednesday 10 December from 1pm to 2pm at the War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road, Coventry, CV3 6PT.

Meeting point: outside the Park Bistro - chance to get a warm drink ahead of our walk!

Stay active, enjoy a gentle stroll and meet new friends at our friendly walking group!

For more information please contact us via email or call us on 024 7663 2972, option 1.

Save the date: Carers Trust spring expo March 2026

Save the date: Carers Trust spring expo March 2026

Join us at the Carers Trust Spring Expo – a welcoming event celebrating and supporting carers. Discover information and advice from local organisations, explore interactive stalls and take part in fun activities! More details coming soon – we hope to see you there!

The event is taking place on: Tuesday 3 March 2026 from 2pm to 6pm at Coventry Cathedral.

Carers Trust Heart of England: activities in December 2025

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To attend a session, it is important that you are registered with Carers Trust Heart of England. Most of our groups are based in Coventry City Centre and the location will be confirmed when booking.

For more information please email the team, or give them a call on 02476 632972 option 1. You can also find further information on their website.

Carers Trust Heart of England: Drop ins for December 2025

For more information please email the team, or give them a call on 02476 632972 option 1. You can also find further information on their website.

Dementia specialist Admiral Nurse service

Dementia specialist Admiral Nurse service

Dementia Specialist Admiral Nurse Service. Coventry, Rugby and Warwickshire North. Life-changing advice and support for families affected by Dementia

If you care for someone with dementia and live in Coventry, Rugby and Warwickshire North you may be entitled to support from a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse. This includes:

• advice on understanding the diagnosis
• practical advice on caring for a person with dementia
• support with coping with changes in symptoms and behaviours
• help with planning for the future, including end of life care
• emotional support for you

To find out how we can support you: call 0300 303 3131 or send the team an email our opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You can also contact the National Admiral Nurse Dementia helpline for support with any aspect of dementia on 0800 888 6678 or by emailing them. 

Smoke Free Coventry

Help to quit smoking – free local support available Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful steps anyone can take to improve their health and wellbeing. From reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease to saving money, the benefits are life-changing. It’s never too late to stop. Even if someone has tried before, this time they can succeed with local, expert support. What’s available for Coventry residents  If you live or work in Coventry, or are registered with a Coventry GP, you can access Healthy Lifestyles Coventry’s free 12-week stop smoking programme, which includes: one-to-one support from trained advisors free or low-cost stop smoking aids (including nicotine replacement therapy, e-cigarettes and stop smoking medicines such as varenicline) practical tips and support to stay on track For further information you can contact Health Lifestyles Coventry by calling 0800 122 3780 or Text STARTNOW to 66777 Digital support Coventry residents can also download the Smoke Free app for free, giving them: premium app features including text-based access to real advisors free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or a vape kits delivered to their door* *For Coventry residents aged 18+ for vape products.

Myton Hospice: 'Listening Ear' carers support group

Are you a carer looking after someone with a life-limiting illness? Would you like to attend our 5 week 'Listening Ear' carers support group? Our person led group is facilitated by trained nurses and volunteers and provides a safe space outside your circle of family and friends where you can speak honestly. It is an opportunity to gain support from others in the same situation as you. The group is held at all three Myton Sites in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick on Fridays from 10am to 11:30am. All support provided is free of charge and no referral is needed. We are here to help you! To find your nearest venue and when the next course starts visit our website, email the team or give us a call on 01788 550085.

The Myton Hospices telephone support line

The Myton Hospices Telephone Support Line. The Myton Hospices has launched a patient, family and carer Telephone Support Line. In collaboration with Marie Curie, The Myton Hospices brand new support line will provide general practical and clinical information, as well as emotional support for people living with or caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. Support is also available for people experiencing bereavement following the death of a loved one with a life limiting illness. The service is available to anyone with a life-limiting illness, their families or carers, you do not have to be known to Myton to access this free support, but it is also available to those who have accessed Myton Service, and their loved ones. The Support Line is operated by a multi-disciplinary team of information and support officers, registered nurses, bereavement support specialists and trained volunteers. Call 01926 351761 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (Bank Holiday 10am to 2pm) and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

NHS App survey - have your say!

The NHS App has been around for a while and is being more widely used across NHS care services. We would like to hear how this app is working for the people of Coventry. Your feedback will help the NHS understand what’s working well and where changes are needed. We will be able to report it back to the service providers to improve the service for everyone.  The survey deadline is 31 December 2025.

Are you carer aware?

Would you like to know more about adult carers and young carers?

If so we have 2 courses that are available to help increase your knowledge. Both courses are free and you can access them in your own time.

Please take a look and we hope you find them helpful:

• Adult Carer Training
• Young Carer Training 

Sign up or contact us

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You can also sign up or view previous bulletins from our Carers' website.

If you have any comments or wish to contribute something to the next bulletin, please let us know by contacting us at carers@coventry.gov.uk.

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