Update 29 November:
Read this blog about the Carers' Rights Day event and watch presentations from the guest speakers.
Solihull Council and Carers Trust Solihull are encouraging young people and adults who look after a family member or friend to join them for an information event at the Council’s Civic Suite on Wednesday 22 November from 4:30pm to 7pm.
The event has been organised by Carers Trust Solihull to coincide with Carers’ Rights Day and will focus on practical support for carers, including the cost of living this winter. It will involve Citizens Advice, Age UK Solihull, Act on Energy, Healthwatch, Sydney Mitchell Solicitors and Solihull Council.
Cllr Tony Dicicco, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Along with the practical information and advice available, we are encouraging carers to think about their own wellbeing. As part of our Carers’ Strategy, we’ve committed to help carers live a good life alongside their caring roles. Carers need time for themselves. That could mean joining a support group, using our sitting service or residential respite. Please drop in and find out how we can help.”
Cllr Michael Gough, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, continued: “We know that many people still don’t identify themselves as carers but refer to themselves as simply doing what a parent/daughter/husband/sibling/good neighbour would do. We want to encourage carers of all ages to recognise their vital role and come along to find out about the support available in Solihull.”
Brandon Scott-Omenka, Chief Executive of Carers Trust Solihull, said: “We will outline the help and practical support available for hard-pressed carers, with information from a range of partner organisations. Come along and find out about your rights as carers juggling paid work and caring for friends or family.”
“Please join us at the Civic Suite and find out about the initiatives and support available to help you over the winter. We’ll also be at Chelmsley Wood Asda promoting information and advice at midday on 23 November (Carers Rights Day).”
Visit the Carers Trust Solihull website www.solihullcarers.org for full details or call Carers Trust Solihull on 0121 788 1143. Information for carers is also available on the Council website at www.solihull.gov.uk/carers and at www.mobiliseonline.co.uk
There are an estimated 20,000 carers in Solihull, providing unpaid support to a family member or friend because of illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or addiction. Carers Trust Solihull is commissioned by the Council to provide support and advice as well as helping carers to keep connected.