Tens of thousands of people in Wolverhampton care for a friend, relative or loved one, and the strategy, Our Commitment to All Age Carers, is designed to ensure they are can get the help they need through the council's Carer Support Team.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Carers are the bedrock of adult social care. They play a vital role in society, not only in providing care to a loved one or friend, but also helping the NHS and social care meet rising demand.
"We recognise the brilliant work carers in Wolverhampton do, and that's why our All Age Carers Strategy is so important. But it is more than just a strategy, it is our commitment to our city's carers.
"It has been developed in consultation with carers – we have listened to them and we have understood them, and we are now developing our offer for carers. It is underpinned by action plans and will grow and evolve as the needs of our carers change over the years."
She added: "Carers can be so busy supporting the people they love as well as managing their own lives that there often isn’t the time to seek out help, so it is our commitment that we will enable them to access support and information in the easiest and most appropriate way possible.
"We also know that unpaid carers are likely to face more financial strain than others who are not carers, and so, as we deal with a cost of living crisis, we will make sure they are aware of the benefits they are entitled to, and how they can go about claiming them.
"Some people don't even realise they are carers, and we will continue to reach out to these 'hidden carers' so we can support as many people as possible.
"Our message is clear – if you provide unpaid care for a friend, relative or loved one, you are entitled to help and support, so please don't hesitate to contact our Carer Support Team to find out how they can help."
Other commitments include the development of more face to face activities for carers, many of whom became isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic, including monthly meals, wellbeing walks and a new carers craft group.
The Carer Support Team has also launched an information pack to offer families support while they are waiting for the person they look after to have a memory assessment, recognising the fact that the family will still have a caring role, whatever the diagnosis, and is working with health partners to support the safe discharge of people who receive care from hospital.
Meanwhile, the council is in the process of developing a bespoke offer to young adult carers, and looking to improve its digital offer to carers of all ages.
The council also looking to pilot the introduction of Carer Passports within the organisation, with a view to supporting other city employers to do the same. Carer Passports help carers to be identified, recognised and supported as part of the day to day life of an organisation or community.
Our Commitment to All Age Carers was officially launched at an event at the Civic Centre recently. To see the strategy, please click on the link in the downloads section on this page.
The Carer Support Team offers a range of support for people who care for a friend, relative or neighbour, ensuring 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 also provides practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and 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.
