A new partnership organisation called Dudley Carers Alliance has been formed to support the many people caring for friends or family across Dudley borough.

The Alliance is a partnership of Dudley borough organisations that provides a new one stop shop for carers. Expert information, advice and guidance are available to support and empower all carers, irrespective of age or circumstance.

6.5 million people are unpaid carers in the UK. That’s one in every eight adults. Carers come in all shapes and sizes, ages and ethnicities. A person might be a child carer, a parent carer or a carer of an older person. They might care for a friend, family member or neighbour.

June 6 to 12 has been National Carers Week an annual celebration of the role carers’ play, supported by national charities including Carers UK. It has been promoting the rights of anyone caring for a relative or friend with a long term illness, disability or age related frailty.

During National Carers Week the Alliance has been out and about in the community with a road show offering help and advice to carers and their families. Councillor Qadar Zada, cabinet lead for adult social care, Dudley Council said:

“You are a carer if you provide unpaid help and support to a partner, child, parent, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help.

"Whatever the situation, caring can be hard work. Unpaid carers often neglect themselves and their own needs and caring can become a struggle. The new Dudley Carers Alliance will provide exert impartial information, support and advice for all carers across the borough.”

Help on offer from the Alliance includes things such as financial advice and options for practical support, help with getting time to yourself, advice on keeping healthy and well, support to feel less stressed and guidance on planning for the future. Their website can be found at dudleycarersalliance.org.uk.