Carer Support Sandwell

During the last census, Carers UK estimated the number of unpaid carers in the UK to be around 10 million in 2022. This is around 15% of the UK population, and the numbers are increasing each year. 

What makes somebody a carer? The role of a carer, as stated by Forward Carers in this article, includes the following: 

• Personal Care – Support with dressing, washing, and toileting 
• Domestic Care – Support with cooking, housework, and shopping 
• Physical Care – Support with lifting, assisting, and helping when moving around 
• Financial Care – Support with any financial affairs 
• Health Care – Support with managing illness or a condition, or helping to administer medication 
• Emotional Care – Support by being a listening ear, offering moral support, or simply providing company for someone who is feeling isolated 
• Communication Care – Supporting or assisting with a listening or communication impairment, including translation, for example, when English is not the family’s first language 

Many may not realise they are an unpaid carer, and although it does not define you, it is important to recognise your responsibilities and understand the support available to make your life a little easier.  

The 2022 State of Caring survey clearly shows the negative effects unpaid caring can have on your physical and mental health and wellbeing. Stating; ‘21% carers said their physical health was ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ and 30% said their mental health was ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’’. Additionally, they state ‘29% of carers said they felt lonely often or always’.  

We have begun to compile a collection of all carer events and resources we have found in Sandwell. As we find more resources, we will update this blog, so make sure you keep checking in. If you are interested in any of the flyers below, please contact the organisation directly by clicking the link underneath the poster to avoid missing out! 

(Please note all information is up to date at the time of posting).

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.

Crossroads Caring for Carers
A website full of useful resources accessible to carers in Sandwell, Dudley and Birmingham, including a family care plan, carers dementia service, and a 24/7 phone service (0121 553 6483).

Stroke Association – Stroke Recovery Service (Sandwell)
A service offering advice and assistance to stroke survivors and their carers. You can call Sue Dalwood on 01215 887462, or email sandwell.servicesadmin@stroke.org.uk. You can also view this leaflet here, which is full of useful information about caring for a stroke survivor.

Agewell – Sandwell Community Offer
Several Sandwell based organisations have come together to provide support and advice to carers, allowing them to build their support network and meet other carers. Simply give them a call on 0121 726 3983 to make a referral – you can contact them on behalf of yourself or someone else. This service is free to access.

BUDS (Better Understanding of Dementia Sandwell)
A Sandwell based service specialising in providing support for people living with dementia and those caring for them. Carers can access advice about dementia, attend activity sessions and coffee mornings, and receive free counselling. Just give them a call on 0121 565 3721, or email them at
general.enquiries@buds.co.uk.

Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC – Keep Dancing West Bromwich

Create a caring self-help plan – Bridgit Care

Crossroads – Carers Assistance Line

Sandwell Council – Carer Drop-in Events (No need to book!)

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. 

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