Do you provide care or support to a parent, child, partner, relative, neighbour or friend who has an illness, disability, addiction or is older and frail? If the answer is yes, then you are a carer. There's lot of support available from Dudley Carers Hub.
Dudley Carers Hub
Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service, run by Dudley Council, supports unpaid carers of all ages.
We offer information, advice and a range of support to anyone caring for a family member or friend. Many people who provide care often do not recognise themselves as a carer, and aren't aware of the support available to them. We aim to empower carers to make informed choices and provide specialist advice and support including:
- Information on financial and legal rights
- Advice on respite services
- Advice on accessing social care and health and wellbeing services
- Emotional support
- A specialist Dudley Young Carers Service
- Support with getting out and about, including social groups and carers groups
- Help with arranging a carers assessment
- Specialist training courses for carers
There are two hubs located at Queens Cross Network in Dudley and Brett Young Centre in Halesowen. Call us for more information, or to book an appointment with us on 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk. We are open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. If you need support outside these hours you should call Dudley's adult social care emergency duty team on 0300 555 8574, 5pm - 9am Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays.
Information to help young carers and young adult carers (aged under 25) is also now available. The government guidance is designed to help young carers understand the caring changes they need to make and signposts assistance available during the pandemic.
As a carer it is important that you look after your own health and wellbeing
How can we help you?
'Peace of mind' emergency card scheme
Peace of mind should something happen to you that the person you care for will be supported. Any carer living in the Dudley borough who supports an adult can join the basic scheme, contact the Dudley Carers hub to apply.
How does it work?
- Your information is recorded on the Dudley Telecare service database.
- We send you a card and key fob with your unique code number and emergency telephone number
- If you, the carer, have an emergency they will contact your nominees to inform them support is required.
Benefits advice
Benefits advice is important for many carers. Dudley Carers Hub can give some basic benefits advice but take a look at the council's Benefits page for more detailed information.
Carers Aware - Online training course and resource
Developed by Dudley Carers Hub, this course is essential for carers, and for those supporting them, who want to know more about carers, their rights and what support is available in the Dudley borough.
Carers emergency scheme
Dudley Carers Hub has created a contingency planning toolkit (download PDF). Alternatively you can request a printed copy by calling 01384 818723.
Adult social care in Dudley portal
A new and secure way for anyone living in Dudley borough to find out all about adult social care and support, quickly and easily online. The council run portal includes a dedicated area for carers. Here carers can access information and support, including registering themself as a carer and completing a carers self assessment online.
Professionals can also use the portal as there is a dedicated area for them to use - so it truly is a one stop shop.
Newsletters and e-bulletins
Carers registered to the hub can subscribe to our newsletter, The Dudley Carer, which provides lots of up to date, useful information, tips and hints for local carers. It is published three times a year.
For the latest edition see download link below.
We also produce a weekly adult social care e-bulletin via Making it real in Dudley. Register for this service.
Mobilise
Online support for carers across Dudley borough from Mobilise - working in partnership with Dudley Carers Hub. Sign up to receive free online support from Mobilise and join a supportive community especially for carers.
What's on
From fish and chips on a relaxing cruise down our canal network, to informative sessions on how to 'get connected' to technologies and services to help make your caring role easier, there is something for everyone. Get in touch with us to find out what's going on.
Additional support and resources
Options+ leisure card
Many carers will already be entitled to the Options+ Card (which entitles you to discounted rates at local leisure centres) if you are in receipt of Carers Allowance or another qualifying benefit.
'Caring for Me and You' programme
'Caring for Me and You' is a self-management course for adult carers with long-term health problems including stress and tiredness. It aims to help carers to:
- learn new coping skills
- develop confidence
- meet other people who share similar experiences
You can call 01384 816437 or email for information.
Respite and short breaks
Find out more about respite and short breaks support for carers.
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Dudley Carers Hub - Queens Cross Network, Dudley and Brett Young Centre, Halesowen.
Telephone: 01384 818723