Taking place next Thursday, 19 November, 2026, Carers Rights Day is an annual campaign that raises awareness of caring and recognises the invaluable contribution unpaid carers make to families and communities across the UK.

This year's campaign encourages people who may not yet identify as carers to recognise the vital role they play, and to access the support, advice and guidance available to help them in their caring role.

Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “Many people who provide unpaid care to relatives, close friends or neighbours who are older, chronically ill or disabled don’t always recognise themselves as carers. Instead, they often think of themselves as parents, sons, daughters, spouses or partners, or simply good friends.

“However, recognising yourself as a carer as soon as possible and knowing your rights is an important first step to getting support.

“Being a carer can bring a range of challenges, whether that is balancing work and caring responsibilities, navigating health and social care services, or finding out what financial help may be available. Many people don’t realise they are carers for a long time and, as a result, miss out on support that could make a real difference to both them and the person they care for.

“Carers Rights Day is an opportunity for everyone across Wolverhampton to get involved, talk to friends and family, and help ensure carers get identified sooner.”

To mark Carers Rights Day 2026, the council’s Early Support and Enabling Carers to Care Team will be engaging with local communities to raise awareness of unpaid carers.

Staff will be on hand at a variety of locations to help people identify themselves as carers, understand the important contribution they make to their loved ones' wellbeing, and access information about the support available to them.

Events include pop up information stands at Duncan Street Surgery on Monday 16 November from 10am to noon, Central Library on Tuesday 17 November from 10.30am to noon and Morrisons in Bilston on Thursday 19 November from 10am to noon. All are welcome.

The team will also be holding a closed event for young carers on Wednesday 18 November, at a local school.

The council offers a range of assistance to people of any age who care for a friend, relative or neighbour, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, and have access to the services they need. It also provides practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and offer a range of other services including training in essential skills such as first aid.

For more information, please call 01902 553409, visit Carer support or email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk.