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.
National Carers Week took place this year from 8 – 14 June 2020. The theme this year was ‘making carers visible’. We said thank you to all the unpaid carers across Dudley Borough.
Dudley Carers Hub
In Summer 2018 we launched Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service for carers of all ages.
Located at Queens Cross Network, Dudley, the hub offers 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 are therefore unaware 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
Pop in and see us at the hub Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.00pm, or call to book an appointment outside of these times.
Please Note: Due to COVID-19 The Hub is currently closed. You can find out more about caring during the current Covid-19 outbreak in the booklet Dudley Carers Hub has produced - A guide for carers during the coronavirus outbreak. Printed copies can be requested by calling the hub on the number below.
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.
Whilst the hub is closed the telephone helpline continues to provide advice, guidance and support. People can contact the Carers Advice line on 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
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.
Please note carers of children with disabilities can also have an emergency card - contact the Children with Disabilities team.
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.
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.
We also produce a weekly adult social care e-bulletin via Making it real in Dudley. Register for this service.
Carers UK Digital Resource
Use Dudley's free access code DGTL3392 to register and find the information that you need, including an e-learning course, a care and support app, guides and lots of information on local resources.
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.
'Looking after me' programme
'Looking after me' 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
Telephone: 01384 818723