National Carers Week runs from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June. It aims to raise awareness of caring and highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, as well as recognising the huge contribution they make to families and communities.

It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as a carer and find much needed support for them, as well as the person they look after.

To mark Carers Week, Dudley Carers Hub is holding a week of events and activities locally to raise awareness of carers, as well as offering supportive and fun things to get involved in. These include a picnic for carers, a men's health day for male carers, a ladies carers get together, one to one wellbeing sessions, and a carers open day where carers can find all of the advice and support they need.

There are also a range of online activities being held for carers who might struggle to get out.

Please do get involved, all carers are very welcome, find out more here.

What's on every week for carers at Dudley Carers  Hubs?

Helping carers look after their own health

Its vital that as a carer you look after yourself and don't neglect your own health. Caring for me and you is a self management programme for carers. Sessions run for 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks. They are friendly groups run by people who also manage their own health conditions and caring situations.  The course aims to support carers look after their own health and wellbeing, while caring.

Cost of living help for carers

Dudley Carers Hub offers support to carers who may be struggling to meet day to day living costs such as food and energy costs. We can offer information and help including checks for eligible benefits, energy and water discount schemes. There's practical help including access to grants including Household Support Fund vouchers to purchase essentials, support and training to find helpful online services, even free slow cookers for people who are eligible.

For more information on the cost of living support available  call 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk  

Mobilise - online support for carers

Mobilise is a national organisation working in partnership with Dudley Carers Hub, to provide a range of online support to carers 24/7, including: a dedicated carers coach, Carers Allowance checker, online support sessions with other carers, simple online tools to help at each stage of the caring journey. Register for free and access dedicated online support for carers.

Digi Dudley - helping carers get online

Digi Dudley sessions offer support to carers 
who want to learn how to get online. They are for
people who are new to using technology, or want to update their knowledge of the basics of their smartphone, ipad or computer. If you don't have a device there are options to loan one. For more information call  07726 175532 or email jim@juststraighttalk.org.

Register with us as a carer

According to the most recent Census, there are around 32,000 unpaid carers living in Dudley borough. If you provide care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour which is unpaid  then you are a carer. You can register as a carer online with Dudley Carers Hub, or have a chat with one of our carers advisors on 01384 818723. There are lots of benefits to registering with us including up to date information, advice and lots of support. 

Keep up to date with our Carers News

You can keep up to date with our magazine The Dudley Carer, full of current news especially for carers. You  can read it online or call us for a copy to be posted to you.