There are an estimated 27,000 carers in Wolverhampton, 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.
The City of Wolverhampton Council's 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, training in key skills such as first aid and the Carers Emergency Card scheme, which provides vital information for the emergency services in the event a carer falls ill.
Carer Support Team manager Lesley Johnson said: "As always the team are here to support carers and link them up with local and national organisations which are able to offer them support and guidance during the coronavirus lockdown.
"We are making calls to our carers to check on their health and wellbeing and to support those who are not able to access respite services at the current time, and already we have spoken to around 600 carers across the city.
“They have found our Emergency Card Scheme really useful and many are taking the opportunity to draw up contingency plans in case, for whatever reason, they are unable to continue their caring role.
"We hope that we are able to offer them reassurance during the current situation, and if anyone needs help and support – or just a friendly voice to speak to – please do not hesitate to give us a call."
To get in touch with the Carer Support Team, please call 01902 553409, visit Carer Support, email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk or follow @WolvesCarers on Twitter.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Our city's carers are continuing to do an incredible job under very difficult circumstances, and I want to personally thank them for the work they are doing for their loved ones.
"We as a council will continue to do all we can to support them during this challenging time."
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS.
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe Be Kind.
