Support for carers

Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service, run by Dudley Council, supports unpaid carers of all ages.

The service is a partnership which includes commissioned providers (Forward Carers, Action For Children, Crossroads Caring For Carers, Bridgit) and community-based services (Hospital Carers Co-Ordinator, Just Straight Talk).

The service supports unpaid carers aged over 18 years and works closely with the Dudley Young Carers Service which supports young carers aged 5 to 17 years

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: 

• Emotional support
• Advice on respite services
• Specialist training courses for carers
• Information on financial and legal rights
• Help with arranging a carers assessment
• A specialist Dudley Young Carers Service
• Advice on accessing social care and health and wellbeing services
• Support with getting out and about, including social groups and carers groups

There are two hubs located at Queens Cross Network in Dudley and Brett Young Centre in Halesowen.

Call or email us for more information or to book an appointment.

We are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

• Telephone: 01384 818723 
• Email: dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk

You can find out more about support for carers in Dudley in the booklet below.

If you are a carer aged 18 years or over and live in, or care for someone who lives in Dudley borough you can use Dudley Carers Hub.

You can start your journey by speaking to one of the hub's Social Care Advisors. You can:

• complete our online carer registration form or carers self assessment here, an advisor will then contact you
• call our carers adviceline - 01384 818723 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank holidays)
• Email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk
• Visit one of our Hubs

- Brett Young Carers Hub, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen, B63 3TB - Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm

- Queens Cross Network, Wellington Road, Dudley, DY1 1RB (by appointment only)

Alternatively, your GP or a professional can refer you to the service.

You can also find support at any time online, through our virtual carers service Bridgit.

In the event of an emergency

If you need urgent support with your caring role or unable to continue due to an emergency  and have no one who can support the person you care for contact the Adult Social Care helpline, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank holidays) on 0300 555 0050, or email Accessteam.dachs@dudley.gov.uk.  The Emergency Duty Team is on 0300 555 8574 between Monday to Friday 5pm to 9am and weekends.

Once you have contacted the service, an advisor will ask you some questions about your caring situation, this will include who you are caring for, what is working well for you, how you feel the caring role is impacting on your own health and daily life and what you need support with.  This will help us to

• identify appropriate support based on your individual situation
• determine suitable advice, guidance, information and signposting
• assess Care Act eligibility based on the impact of the caring situation on you and/or the care needs of the person you care for 

Support provided can include:

• registering you as a carer to receive ongoing on information on workshops, groups and activities
• signposting to community-based services (i.e. Caring for Me and You self-management programme for carers or Just Straight Talk)
• accessing our Adult Carers Wellbeing Service providing targeted  support (such as legal and financial aspects of caring, social and peer support, workshops and training)
• referring you to preventative services that can support you or the person you care for (i.e. Telecare, Occupational Therapy, Visual Impairment Service)
• discussing your right to a carers assessment, which provides an opportunity for you to speak with an assessor to determine if you have eligible needs requiring specific support (i.e. respite, carers direct payment, subject to eligibility

Our online adult carers support service Bridgit

This online tool:

• signposts and connects carers to local support
• provides dedicated 24/7 self-help support promoting independence
• offers regular automated support for carers including training videos and useful virtual coaches

This tool is available to help you navigate the advice and guidance that's out there on the internet and connect you to the support you need in your local area.

Our adult carers wellbeing service

This is provided for the council by Forward Carers, and gives targeted, preventative support to carers aged 18 and above, including young adult carers. Forward Carers are committed to helping carers understand their rights and find the support they need to manage their caring responsibilities while looking after their own wellbeing. Through a comprehensive range of services, they offer information, advice, training, and emotional support tailored to the diverse needs of Carers across all stages of life. Find out more visit at Carer Friendly Dudley.

Our Dudley young carers service

working with Action for Children, Forward Carers provide comprehensive support to young carers, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and have the opportunities they need to thrive. If you're a young person aged 5 to 17 and you're helping look after someone at home, this service is here to make sure you have fun, feel supported, and get the help you need. Find out more at Carer Friendly Dudley.

Carers short break service

Provided by Crossroads Caring For Carers, this service enables carers (subject to eligibility) to access occasional or short term (up to six weeks) planned sit service, to attend an appointment or function, or have a short break from caring. The service can support carers who are providing 24/7 care, where it would be unsafe for the person they care for to left alone and there are no formal care  services currently in place.

Benefits advice is important for many carers. Dudley Carers Hub can give benefits advice and support or you can take a look at the council's Benefits page for more detailed information.

Dudley Carers Hub can provide support to carers who may be struggling to meet basic day to day living costs. The hub can offer support and information including checks for benefits, or energy and water discount schemes.  We can also provide practical help including:

• access to available grants 
• advice on saving money on utilities such as energy
• applying for eligible welfare benefits and discounts 
• support and training to access online services, including learning practical skills and being safe and confident. We may also be able to provide access to a tablet or laptop 

For more information on the cost of living support available from the carers hub call 01384 818723 or visit our cost of living page

Carers registered to the hub can subscribe to our magazine, The Dudley Carer. It provides lots of up to date, useful information, tips and hints for local carers.

There's always lots going on for carers across Dudley borough, there really is something for everyone. There are regular weekly sessions, wellbeing groups, dementia carers groups, activities such as walking groups, finance information sessions, daytrips and lots more.

Stay up-to-date with the latest events, workshops, and activities organised by Dudley Carers Hub here. Our events are designed to support and bring together carers, offering opportunities for learning, relaxation, and connection. 

A self management programme for carers. These sessions run for 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks. They are friendly group sessions run by trained volunteers, who also manage their own health conditions and caring situations. The course aims to support carers to

• increase their confidence
• seek support and get others involved
• take more control over their caring situation
• look after their own health and wellbeing, while caring

A new programme - Caring for Me and You, is specifically for people caring for someone with dementia is currently being planned.

For more information, to book on a place email smp@dudleycabx.org or call us at the hub.

If you receive Carers Allowance or another qualifying benefit, the Options+ Card entitles you to discounted rates at local leisure centres.

Find out more about respite and short breaks support for carers.

• Telephone: 01384 818723

Queens Cross Carers Hub
Wellington Road
Dudley
DY1 1RB
(by appointment only)

Brett Young Carers Hub
Old Hawne Lane
Halesowen
B63 3TB