Helping to care for Birmingham's carers
A refreshed carers strategy for Birmingham sets out the city’s commitment to carers of all ages, ensuring they get the support they need.
The Birmingham Carers Partnership Strategy 2024-2029 has been produced with partners and with carers involved throughout.
Census estimates suggest there are 91,445 unpaid carers living in Birmingham. Many people are now balancing work, children and caring for an aging parent, with increasing numbers of older people often caring for their partner and grandchildren. Parents of children with complex needs know they will be lifetime carers and many young people are caring for parents or younger siblings with needs.
Cllr Rob Pocock, interim cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Carers play an amazing and often under-appreciated role in society, helping to support loved ones, neighbours and friends as well as helping to sustain our health and social care system.
“Too many carers go to bed not knowing how much sleep they will get, whether they will be able to do what has been planned the following day. This is why every little bit of help can be vital, whether it is understanding what benefits are available or how to access transport for those who don’t have their own.
“Carers face real challenges in not only trying to provide good care while dealing with other issues, but it can have an impact of mental and physical health, education and employment.”
“The refreshed strategy, co-produced with carers, sets out our commitments to carers as well as actions that all partners will take to ensure these commitments are delivered.”
Following approval by cabinet in October the strategy has been formally launched at the Birmingham Carers Hub, which is commissioned by the city council and our partners at Birmingham Children's Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board.
The hub, run by Forward Carers, provides a range of services including statutory carer assessments, advice, information and guidance, practical emotional and peer support including one-to-one support and carers groups, advocacy, awareness raising and engagement and so much more.
