It is recognising the strength, compassion and resilience of the thousands of women who provide care to loved ones across the city, as data from the council’s All Age Carers service highlights the central role women play in ensuring those they support can live with dignity and independence.
Women represent the majority - around 69% - of carers supported through the council’s services, reflecting the essential – and often unseen – contribution they make every day. Carers span every age group, from children and young people supporting parents and siblings, to adults balancing work and responsibility, to older carers providing stability and continuity for their families.
The data also shows that 31% of women carers come from ethnic backgrounds, underlining the wide diversity of those who give their time, energy and love to support others.
Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: "This International Women’s Day we will celebrate the remarkable women who care for others with kindness, patience and unwavering strength. Whether they are supporting a parent, partner, child or friend, our city’s carers give so much of themselves every single day.
“Their contribution is vital to the wellbeing of our communities, and we are proud to recognise and thank them for everything they do.”
A carer is someone who looks after a partner, family member or friend in need of support or services because of frailty, physical or learning disability, or illness, including mental illness, regardless of whether they receive Carer’s Allowance. Carers can be adults, children or siblings, or parent carers.
The council has made connections with over 7,000 unpaid carers who play a vital role in Adult Social Care, providing essential day to day support that allows millions to live with dignity and independence.
A wide range of support is available to carers, including leisure, social and community activities, respite, income maximisation and emotional wellbeing support. Carers can also access practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters, including training in essential skills such as first aid.
For more information, please call 01902 553409, visit Carer support, or email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
