People who care for someone in Wolverhampton can find out more about the support on offer to them during national Carers Week 2016, which begins today (Monday 6 June).

An estimated 27,500 people in the city care for a friend or relative, with many unaware of the help they are entitled to.

Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Carer Support Team will be out and about throughout the week offering help and advice to carers and their families.

They will also be on the hunt for some of Wolverhampton's thousands of "hidden carers" - people that carry out a caring role but may not realise they are carers and are therefore entitled to support.

The highlight of the week is a special Carers Day event at Bantock House on Friday from 10am to 2pm which features a keynote speech from Dame Philippa Russell DBE. She was chair of the UK government Standing Commission on Carers from 2007 to 2015 and made a Dame in 2009 for services to disabled children, young people and family carers.

There will also be information and advice for carers, entertainment and a buffet lunch. The Carers Day event is free and open to all informal carers, but places are limited and booking is essential by calling the Carer Support Team on 01902 553409.

Other activities during the week include a Carer's Cafe for parents and carers of disabled children at Sainsburys Wednesfield today (Monday) from 10am to 12pm.

Members of the Carer Support Team will be at Sainsbury's St Marks, Raglan Street, Wolverhampton, from 10am to 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday) and at Morrisons in Bilston on Wednesday from 12.30pm to 4pm, speaking to carers about the help available to them, including with claiming financial support they may be entitled to, and answering any questions which they have.

The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) will be holding a Carers Day at the Heritage Centre, Clifford Street, Wolverhampton on Thursday from 10.30am to 3pm. Again, places are limited so should be reserved by calling Eileen Bennett on 01902 571230.

The City of Wolverhampton College is offering free beauty treatments and hair services on a first come, first served basis on Thursday and Friday. For details, please call the Carer Support Team on 01902 553409.

Finally, Spurgeons is holding a fun day for young carers on Saturday - for details please call 01902 877550.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Anyone who has cared for a loved one will know how incredibly hard this role is and it's tremendously important that our carers are given all the help and support they need to succeed.

"Carers Week is a good opportunity to find out more about the support that is available to them here in Wolverhampton through our Carer Support Team and other agencies."

For more information about the help available to carers, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2713;Title=Adult social care;, call the Carer Support Team on 01902 553429, 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.

Carers Week is a national campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges that carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. For more information, please visit Type=links;Linkid=1701;Title=Carers Week;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Monday 6 June, 2016