Support for carers

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 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

If you need support outside these hours you should call Dudley's adult social care emergency duty team. We are open 5pm to 9am, Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays.

• Telephone: 0300 555 8574

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

Forward Carers is a social enterprise company which works in partnership with Dudley Carers Hub, helping the hubs provide carer support and services. Forward Carers provides personalised, face to face preventative support tailored to the needs of adult carers and young carers.

It offers a range of workshops and training sessions on topics such as legal rights and stress management, as well as community peer support groups for carers to share experiences, find support from other carers and build strong support networks.

Forward Carers also work with Action for Children developing and delivering a young carers service.

Forward Carers also work with Action for Children developing and delivering the Dudley Young Carers Service for young carers aged under 18, who live in Dudley borough.

This includes young carers support groups, educational workshops, and lots of fun social and recreational activities designed support young people who are juggling a caring role, helping them to develop resilience, and supporting their health and wellbeing. You can find out more at Carer Friendly Dudley.

Should something happen to you as a carer, you can have peace of mind that the person you care for will be supported by signing up to this scheme. Any carer living in the Dudley borough can join the basic scheme, just contact 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

To help you plan for any emergencies you can download our Carers Contingency Plan Tool Kit or call 01384 818723 to request a paper copy.

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.

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

• advice on saving money on utilities such as energy
• applying for eligible welfare benefits and discounts 
• access to available grants including Household Support Fund vouchers to purchase essentials, i.e. washing machine, mattress, oil filled radiators
• 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 
• our slow cooker project can support carers with meal planning and healthy eating on a budget. Carers may also be eligible for a free slow cooker to get them started
• identification of other helpful organisations

For more information on the cost of living support available from the carers hub call 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk

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

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

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