Carers enjoyed a socially distanced stroll around West Park and a cake and cuppa in the Tea Rooms to mark the culmination of Carers Week on Friday.

They were joined on the ‘walk and talk’ by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Councillor Linda Leach, who paid tribute to their incredible efforts in providing care and support for their loved ones.

She said: "We have over 27,000 unpaid carers in Wolverhampton who look after family members or friends who have a disability, mental or physical illness or simply need extra help as they grow older, and it was a privilege to meet just a few of them on our stroll around West Park and listen to their inspiring stories.

"Each and every one of our unpaid carers is doing an incredible job, often in the most trying of circumstances, and Carers Week was a chance to highlight the help that is available to them through our Carer Support Team.”

Wolverhampton’s Carer Support Team offers a range of help to 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.

Meanwhile, a weekly social group for carers takes place over Zoom every Friday from 2pm-4pm, and Friday’s event at West Park was so successful that the team hope to launch a regular carers group at the Tea Rooms in the near future.

  

Councillor Leach added: “If you are an unpaid carer, and you need any help at all, please don't hesistate to get in touch with the Carer Support Team – they are ready and waiting for your call."

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

The theme of this year’s Carers Week was to Make Caring Visible and Valued – recognising the fact that many people have taken on more caring responsibilities for relatives or friends as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.