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At some point in our lives we will likely have to look after someone we care for if they become ill, frail or disabled. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people are carers in England and Wales, with around 6,000 people each day becoming a carer.

One of the biggest barriers for someone who provides care and support to a family member or friend is recognising themselves as a carer. Many people do not realise they are a carer. If you are or intend to help someone who would not be able to manage daily tasks without your support, due to illness, frailty or disability, then you are a carer.

You may be looking after your partner, friend or family member, or be a couple caring and supporting each other. You may not live with the person you are looking after. You may not even live in the local area, and provide support by telephone or internet (i.e. Facetime / Zoom) or travel long distances on a regular basis to provide the support.

Whatever your situation, if you are providing unpaid support (excluding volunteering), you can ask for help and support.

Register as a carer

According to the Census 2021, there are approximately 32,000 unpaid carers aged 5 year or above living in Dudley Borough. If you provide care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour which is unpaid (not including carers allowance) you are a carer. It is important for the council to understand the needs of our local carer population. You can register as a carer online or if you are not sure speak to an advisor on 01384 818723.

Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing service

Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service is part of Dudley Council and offers a huge range of support, information and advice for carers to enable people to make informed choices about caring.

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.

Carers guide of support services across Dudley

A guide to services supporting carers and those they care for, drawn up by:

  • Dudley Carers Hub
  • Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust
  • The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

If you need a printed copy of the guide, please contact Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service on 01384 818723.

Carers assessment

A carers assessment is an opportunity for you to discuss with the council your needs and feelings as a carer and what support or services you need to help you continue caring.

Dudley Adults Portal

The secure way for anyone living in Dudley borough to find out all about adult social care and support, quickly and easily online.

Dudley Adults Portal includes a dedicated area for carers. Carers can access information and support, including registering themselves as a carer and completing a carers self assessment online.

Carers contingency planning toolkit

If you become unwell, or have an accident, or emergency, you will need to make other arrangements for care of the person that you care for. This should be planned for in advanced by creating a contingency plan.

The plan should include:

  • your details
  • the cared for person's details
  • information about any medication and treatment
  • any medical appointments
  • details of who can step in during your absence

Dudley Carers Hub has created a contingency planning toolkit, available below. You can request a printed copy by calling 01384 818723.

Young carers

If you are under the age of 18 or know someone under 18 who is helping to look after someone they are a 'young carer'. You may be helping to support a parent, grandparent, sibling or other relative, who needs looking after because they are living with a physical disability, a mental health condition, a learning disability, a drug or alcohol related illness, a sensory impairment or any long-term illness or condition.

Guidance and support for young carers and professionals working with young carers.

Dudley Carers Strategy

We are currently refreshing the local carers strategy, working with Dudley Carers Alliance.

The carers strategy sets out our vision and priorities: to support those who provide care and support to a family member or friend in an unpaid capacity.

The aim is to champion carers by recognizing and implementing support to help them maintain their own identity and live the life they want, alongside their caring role.

Dudley Carers Alliance

Dudley Carers Alliance is all about giving you the carer a voice. The group is passionate about carers rights and pledges to ensure that the voice of the carer is always listened to across Dudley borough. They collect information and opinions from local carers. They share this with statutory and other organisations, both local and national, relating to carer issues.

The group works in partnership with other local forums and organisations who are keen to ensure that the views of carers are represented and are taken on board when local services are being shaped. They also oversee the coproduction and implementation of the local Carers Strategy.

Meetings take place bi-monthly and are co-chaired with the council Carers Lead and a local carer(s). Please see the Terms of Reference for the group.

For more information, or if you would like to join the alliance contact Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service on 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk.