New £1.5 million service to offer support to unpaid carers in Sandwell
People in the Black Country who provide care for a loved one will be able to access specialist support and advice through a new partnership.
Sandwell Council has entered a £1.5 million deal with West-Midland-based Forward Carers to provide support to those who look after loved ones over the next five years.
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The not-for-profit organisation already provides similar services to carers in Dudley, Walsall and Birmingham.
The new Sandwell Carers Service will offer free wellbeing checks and tailored action plans for those who support loved ones, as well as peer support groups, wellbeing activities, and guidance on planning for emergencies from September 1.
The service will be open to anybody in the borough who provides unpaid care support.
A new Sandwell Carers Hub website and helpline will be coupled with a borough-wide awareness campaign to ensure all uunpaid carers know where to turn for support.
Chantell Marler, programme director at Forward Carers, said: “We are thrilled to bring our experience and passion for carer support to Sandwell.
"Our priority is making sure every carer feels seen, supported, and connected – no matter where they live or what their caring role looks like.
"Working with such well-regarded local partners means carers can access trusted support in their own community.”
Mrs Marler said the service would be run in partnership with Age UK Birmingham and Sandwell, Midland Mencap - which will provide support to parents who care for children - Age Concern Birmingham and the St Albans Community Association in Smethwick, where the service will be based.
The service will be open from Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm, and will offer a drop-in service on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am-1pm.
People can register for support on the weblink sandwellcarers.org.uk/carer-registration/, or for more information telephone 0121 798 2372,1 798 2372
