Hidden carers are people who care for a relative or a loved one but who aren't in contact with or receive help from Wolverhampton City Council's Carer Support Team.
Members of the team were out and about throughout Carers Week, which ran from 10 to 16 June, holding drop-in sessions at Bilston and Wolverhampton Markets, the Mander Centre and the Bert Williams Leisure Centre.
Councillor Steve Evans, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Unpaid carers who look after a family member or friend are the main providers of care in the community - and anyone who has looked after a loved one will know how incredibly hard this role is.
"We're determined to do all we can, through our Carer Support Team, to help them to carry it out successfully and so it is very pleasing that they have been able to make contact with another 200 carers during Carers Week, and told them about the help and support that is available to them here in Wolverhampton.
"The team was also able to give out information to family members, neighbours and friend that knew of carers and so we're hoping they will get in touch with the team in due course."
Also during Carers Week, around 60 carers accepted an invite to take tea with the Mayor, Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, where they were able to enjoy light refreshments, network with other carers and talk to the Carer Support Team as well as senior council officers about their caring role.
Councillor Evans added: "I was very privileged to meet some of our carers as they enjoyed a well-earned afternoon tea in the Mayor's Parlour - it was humbling to hear their stories and once again demonstrated to others just what an important role they play."
It is estimated that around 27,000 people in Wolverhampton care for an elderly or vulnerable friend or relative, or someone with a disability or mental health needs. The Carer Support Team is currently in contact with around 3,000 of them and ensures they are supported in their caring role, have access to the services they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.
The team offers a range of other services including carer assessments, the Carers Emergency Card and online Carer Aware training. There are also a number of specific carers support groups.
To find out more about the work of the Carer Support Team, please visit Type=links;Linkid=1702;Title=Carers Support;Target=_blank;, call the Carer Support Team on 01902 553409, email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk or drop into the Carer Support Centre at Blossoms Fold, Off North Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4HJ, anytime between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
- released: Thursday 20 June, 2013