Wolverhampton’s Carer Support Team is reminding the city’s 27,000 plus unpaid carers that they are on hand to provide help and advice.
Anyone who provides providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help as they grow older is a carer.
Carers have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a recent Age UK survey finding that a third of older unpaid carers feel lonely.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "What carers are telling us mirrors the findings of Age UK's survey. When it comes to the pandemic, many are struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel and they are feeling anxious and lonely.
"But our message is clear; they are not on their own. Help and support is available to them, and I would urge them to pick up the phone and contact our Carer Support Team today.
"The team is there to support carers and link them up with local and national organisations which are able to offer them help and guidance, so if you need help and support – or just a friendly voice to speak to – please do not hesitate to give them a call."
The Carer Support Team offers a range of services to carers, ensuring they are supported in their role, have access to the help 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, along with other services including carer assessments and the Carers Emergency Card scheme, which provides vital information for the emergency services in the event a carer falls ill.
Meanwhile, carers are invited to join a weekly virtual chat via Zoom on Friday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. The informal session gives carers and their loved ones aged 25 and over the chance to get together for a chat, quizzes and games. To join, click Zoom. The meeting ID is 957 3740 6372, and the passcode is xB864P.
Councillor Leach added: "The Zoom group has been a lifeline during the pandemic, and we are also keen to restart our popular walk and talk groups once winter is behind us, too.”
For more information about the Carer Support Team, please call 01902 553409, visit Carer support, email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk or follow Facebook and Twitter.
