Aligned with this year’s national theme, "Building Carer-Friendly Communities," the event aims to recognise and celebrate the vital role that unpaid carers play across communities in Walsall. Many carers balance demanding daily responsibilities while navigating complex health, social care and emotional challenges to look after loved ones.

The celebration will also shine a major spotlight on social care and health, bringing together statutory services, charities, and grassroots community organisations, all dedicated to empowering local carers.

“ Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our communities, dedicating their time and energy to support others. This event has been created to recognise their dedication, provide practical support, and create a welcoming space where carers feel valued, informed, and connected.

“Our carers event is more than just a gathering, it is a celebration of the compassion, strength, and resilience of nearly 30,000 unpaid carers within our community. We warmly encourage you to join us. We want to ensure that every carer knows that your role matters, your wellbeing matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way. “

Councillor Peter Harrison, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care at Walsall Council

Event highlights include:

• Informative sessions focusing on social care navigation, understanding carers’ rights, mental wellbeing, and accessing local support.
• Direct access to health and social care professionals offering tailored guidance and advice.
• Information Marketplace: Stalls featuring organisations specialising in dementia care, mental health support, assistive technology, financial advice, and community services.
• Dedicated resources and support specifically tailored for young carers and those facing unique, complex caring roles.
• Wellbeing and pampering: Free yoga and relaxation sessions designed to help carers take a well-deserved break to recharge.

• A free complimentary lunch providing a warm, supportive environment for carers to connect and share experiences with one another.

   

Notes to the Editor

A range of support services is available to unpaid carers in the borough.

• At Walsall’s Leisure Centres, carers assisting anyone making use of facility receive free access.  Learn more at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure

   

• Walsall Carers Hub is a commissioned service led by Forward Carers CIC with the Midland Mencap charity to provide support and services for unpaid carers in Walsall. Walsall Carers Hub offers the Max Card which provides free or discounted entry to hundreds of family-friendly attractions for Walsall families caring for a child with a disability (birth to 25 years old). Eligibility requires registration with Walsall Carers Hub and proof of disability. Please allow 14 working days for application processing, to register, visit: https://walsallcarershub.org.uk/carer-support/parent-carers-support/max-card/

   

• Walsall NHS Trust provides support care and encouragement to people with long term health conditions and their families to help them understand their role in managing their condition. To find out more, visit: https://www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/self-care-management-team/         

                                                                                       

• For more support in providing care to your loved ones, Family Carer Support Service is a national network for carers of a relative with autism or a learning disability.