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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:
Hello and welcome to this month's bulletin. We hope you are able to enjoy some cooler weather after the intense heat we have recently experienced.
Following our engagement out in the community to discuss our Carers Strategy, we are holding an in person session for people to book onto so we can meet you and hear your voices about your thoughts of what is important to you as a carer.
Nationally a lot has gone since we last sent out our bulletin. Baroness Casey has launched the "Big Conversation on Care" an opportunity for people to have their say nationally about Adult Social Care - a really important national conversation that I'm sure many of you will want to take part in.
We have included important information from the Government regrading Carers Allowance as well as a new Carers Action Plan they have launched. Please do take a look.
You will find details about groups and activities that are taking place across the city for you to join in with.
Coventry Carers Strategy 2026 to 2031 - continuing the conversation. Co-design the Carers Strategy.
Following on from engagement sessions, this session will cover:
- an overview of feedback and what carers told us
- local data and key headlines
- co-producing our priorities
- developing our action plan
- next steps with strategy development and further opportunities to be involved
Are you passionate about making a difference? Join us to share your experiences, contribute your ideas and help share the priorities for our new Carers Strategy. We want to have your voice at the table.
So join us:
- Thursday 20 August 2026, at Coventry City Council House, from 10:30am to midday
To book a space email us at carers@coventry.gov.uk.
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On Wednesday 29 July, Baroness Casey launched the "Big Conversation on Care", as part of an independent review into Adult Social Care.
This is an opportunity for the nation to have their say about Adult Social Care, what is fair, what should people pay, how should it be funded. If you're passionate about using your experience to make change, please take a look.
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The Government has published a new action plan to improve support for unpaid carers across England. The plan focuses on 3 key areas:
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Recognise carers earlier and help more people identify themselves as carers
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Refer carers to the right information, financial help and support services
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Reach their full potential by helping carers stay healthy, continue working or studying, and maintain a good quality of life
The plan includes proposals to make carers more visible within health services, improve access to information and benefits, increase support for young carers, and help carers balance caring with work and education. It also aims to make sure carers are involved in decisions about the people they care for and can access support sooner.
The Government has committed to working with carers, local authorities, health services, schools, employers and voluntary organisations to help ensure unpaid carers receive the recognition and support they deserve.
After the success of the last Coffee morning we will be holding our next one for adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers on:
- Wednesday 12 August, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, at Friargate on 1st floor
There will be the opportunity to socialise over coffee and cakes, whilst creating a friendly and relaxed environment for people to meet, talk and share their experiences.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Go Foleshill Community Day - come along, get involved and celebrate our community!
Join us for:
- fun family get together
- activities
- sports
- crafts
This is being held on:
- Saturday 8 August 2026, from midday to 4pm, at Red House Park, Foleshill, Coventry, CV6 5DG
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Are you currently supporting someone who is accessing our mental health services?
If so, our support group is a safe space for you to be with others, gain support and share experiences.
We are offering our first meeting on the following date:
- Tuesday 10 August 2026, 3:30pm to 5pm online via Zoom
If you wish to attend, please contact: WeCare@covwarkpt.nhs.uk.
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Oxford University are conducting research to understand more about what factors help with quality of life for parents who have adult children with learning disabilities. They are specifically interested in social support, perception of caring role and your current ways of coping.
Can I participate?
They are looking for parents (biological or adoptive) of an adult with a learning disability living in the UK. Only one parent from a co-parenting couple may take part.
What will I need to do?
Participating in this research will involve a 20-minute anonymous online survey. You will need to have access to digital technology to complete the survey.
For further information, please feel free to contact Stephanie Bremner (Primary Researcher) via email: stephanie.bremner@stx.ox.ac.uk.
You may be able to claim Carer's Allowance if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability. As of April 2026 the amount you receive is £86.45 per week.
The Government want to build an evidence base to best understand how Carer’s Allowance can support carers to balance work and caring responsibilities, while remaining clear, fair and sustainable.
This call for evidence is to help them consider:
- how Carer's Allowance could be modernised and shaped in the future
- the impact of earnings, work patterns and levels of care
- support carers to balance paid work and caring responsibilities
- ensure the system is clear and easy to understand
- maintain fairness and value for money for taxpayers
- they are also looking at a more robust system for those carers whose earnings fluctuate
To find out about accessibility and other ways of sharing your thoughts please take a look at their website.
This call for evidence is open from 7 July 2026 and will close at 11:59pm on 18 August 2026.
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Change, Live Grow our Drug and Alcohol Service offer a Family and Friends peer support groups.
The groups provide a space to feel heard and valued. We use peer support and find that speaking to like-minded people, who are going through similar circumstances provides a powerful shared experience.
To book your place please leave a voice message and/or text on 07909 464875 or email Poonam and someone will get back to you asap.
The group is free and takes place:
- 1a Lamb Street, Coventry CV1 4AE
- on a Wednesday at 6pm to 8pm, and
- Saturday at 11:30am to 1:30pm
Or you can attend:
- The Aspire Family Hub, Humber Avenue, Lower Stoke, Coventry CV1 2SF, on a Monday, from 1pm to 4pm
They look forward to welcoming you.
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This month’s topic is "Planning for the Future"
Are you caring for someone living with dementia? Please join our upcoming Carer Information Session, focusing on Planning for the Future.
This event provides a supportive environment to gather expert advice and connect with others navigating a similar journey. It also offers practical guidance to help you manage your caring responsibilities with confidence.
Date and time
Thursday 6 August 2026, from 10:15 am to 11:30 am.
Venue
St Barbara's Church, 22 Rochester Rd, Coventry CV5 6AG.
Car parking is available at the rear and refreshments served.
Please contact your local office for more information and to book a place. Telephone: 024 7665 2602 or email us.
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Be outdoors. Be creative, or just be...
Arts and crafts & tree therapy. Booking required.
Join us on
- Wednesday 12, 19 and 26 August
- Wednesday 2 and 9 September
Sessions are from 1:30pm to 3pm at the Tree Sanctuary, Shilton Lane Allotments, Coventry, CV2 2AD.
Further details
- Meeting point: 1:20pm outside the allotment gates.
- Parking: Limited onsite
- Bus: Nearest bus stop is for the 51
Please note
The site is very uneven. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
For more information please email the team or give them a call on 02476 632972, selecting option 1.
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The Coping with Caring course aims to raise awareness and understanding of how the caring role can impact on many aspects of your life.
This free, online course looks at ways you can look after yourself as well as continuing to support and promote the independence of the person you care for.
Learning outcomes
- to increase awareness of the roles and responsibilities of being a carer in the UK and to look at how these roles affect us
- to consider and develop some techniques for coping and helping ourselves as well as those we care for
- to look at your rights as a carer and places to seek additional support
Aimed at
Anyone who is currently caring for a friend or family member and is experiencing increased stress.
Course tutors
Staff from Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Heart of England Carers Trust.
When
Thursday 27 August 2026, 1pm to 3pm.
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Carers' Trust provides a range of activities and drop-in sessions across the city.
To see what is available and where and when they are taking place, please take a look at Coventry City Councils, Carers' webpages. On here you will find out how to register for the activities.
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Are you a carer in Coventry?
The Carers' Energy Support service is aimed at supporting carers across Coventry to offer guidance and support on controlling household energy usage.
Speak to us on how we can support you with:
- controlling your household energy use
- taking meter readings to monitor your costs
- accessing eligible discounts
- switching energy supplier and tariffs
- advise on ways to keep your home safe and warm
Appointments can be arranged on a 1-to-1 basis by phone or face to face to assess individual needs.
Start saving money and energy today!
Get in touch on 024 7663 2972 or ring 07528 080495 and speak to our Carers' Energy Support Advisor or drop us an email.
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 3 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.
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Supporting someone with sight loss?
Please come and join us at the hub for tea and coffee, and a chat with fellow carers and staff about any concerns you may have.
Join us at:
- 33 to 35 Earlsdon Avenue South, Coventry, CV5 6TH
- Wednesday 1 September 2026 from 10am to midday
For further information please call the team on 024 7671 7522.
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It’s simple! Just add your email address in the top right hand corner and click GO!
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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