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Are you a Hidden Carer?
A 2023 poll by Carers Trust found that 73% of people in the UK who currently provide—or have provided—unpaid care have never identified themselves as carers, therefore are Hidden Carers
In the UK, a hidden carer is someone who provides care and support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour who cannot cope without their help due to illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction , but does not recognise themselves as a carer, and often goes unnoticed by services and support systems.
Key Characteristics of a Hidden Carer:
Unaware of their role: They may see what they’re doing as simply “helping out” or fulfilling a family duty.
Not accessing support: Because they don’t identify as a carer, they often don’t claim benefits, access respite services, or receive emotional or practical support.
More likely to struggle in silence: This can lead to burnout, financial difficulties, and mental health issues.
Includes children and young people: Young carers are often hidden because they may fear stigma or family separation.
Examples:
A woman helping her elderly father manage medications and finances every day, but sees it as just “being a daughter.”
A teenager who looks after a parent with mental health issues, but tells no one at school.
A partner supporting someone with addiction but not seeking external help.
It takes an average of two years for people to recognize their caregiving role, and 51% took over a year to identify as carers (with 36% taking more than three years)
Why It Matters:
Hidden carers often miss out on rights and entitlements such as:
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s assessments
Flexible working rights
Emotional support or counselling
Government & Charity Support:
Organisations like
Forward Carers CIC and local authorities aim to identify hidden carers and connect them with support services.
How we support Hidden Carers at Xpress – Yourself Dance CIC
Inspired by Keep Dancing participants stories of caring for loved ones and Keep Dancing classes being their happy hour of the week and opportunity to look after their own health and wellbeing, we are delighted that Forward Carers CIC has funded our Keep Dancing for carers project.
There are two Keep Dancing for Carers classes a week, in person Tuesdays 11-12 at Shenley Court Hall 200 Green Meadow Rd, Birmingham B29 4ED and online Tuesdays at 9:30 – 10:30. Keep Dancing is a dance class suitable for older adults. . You’ll learn dances from around the world with no need for a partner. This class has been funded by Forward Carers CIC and will support carers to have an opportunity to meet with one another and look after their own health and wellbeing.
We will also implement a downloadable Keep Dancing for Carers class, for those who are unable to make our classes in person. This will be a half hour pre-recorded online class, accessed through a link sent via email.
You can book the Keep Dancing for Carers classes here
Resources for Hidden Carers
Here are some examples of useful resources you can access (most of them are FREE):
Carers Emergency Response Service (CERS) – This service is FREE and runs across Birmingham and Solihull, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call 0121 442 2960, or email Jane.Cleary@cers.org.uk to arrange an emergency care plan for up to 48 hours (72 hours on bank holidays). Long term care options can also be arranged.
Emergency support for carers in Sandwell – This website provides useful information about how to plan for an emergency, including links to valuable resources. There are also details on the free Carer’s Emergency Card Scheme.
Walsall Carer’s Hub – A hub of important information and resources. You can register for free with the service here.
Bridgit Care – If you want advice, resources or support, you can create your own free self-help plans, as well as access carer support information and speak to advisors.
Birmingham Buddhist Centre – Holding multiple FREE events and getaways for carers (see below), this is a great opportunity to relax, unwind, and meet other carers. For the carers breaks, you must be registered with Birmingham Carer’s Hub.
🧰 Useful Resources for Carers
📞 Birmingham Carers Hub
Call: 0333 006 9711 (low call rate)
Email: info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk
Website: www.birminghamcarershub.org.uk
They provide carer assessments, advice, training, and access to local support.
👉 If you contact Birmingham Carers Hub, please mention that Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC referred you—this helps them understand how carers are finding their way to support.
Carers Emergency Response Service (CERS)
📞 0121 442 2960 | 📧 Jane.Cleary@cers.org.uk
Free 24/7 emergency care plans across Birmingham & Solihull.
🧡 Sandwell Carers Service
📍 Bristnall Hall Road, Oldbury, B68 9TX
📞 0121 612 6000
💙 Walsall Carers Hub
📍 17 Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TU
🚗 Parking available nearby – see local signage
📞 01922 616 798
📩 info@walsallcarershub.org.uk
🔁 (Let them know if you’d like a call back to reduce phone costs) .
💚 Solihull Carers Trust
📞 0121 788 1143
Let’s make Hidden Carers more visible in Birmingham 🌈
#BirminghamCarers #CarerIDCard #CarerFriendlyCommunities
Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC run weekly Keep Dancing classes, suitable for older adults across, Birmingham, Solihull, Walsall, Sandwell and online. Keep Dancing will teach you dances from around the world with no need for a dance partner. Find your nearest Keep Dancing class here.
Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC also runs classes to support carers in Birmingham thanks to Funding from Forward Carers CIC. Find out more about our Keep Dancing for carers here
To find out more about Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC follow us on Facebook.
Thank you for checking out our Carers information blog. Look after yourselves and Keep Dancing!
