Carers Week is always a special time for us at Forward Carers – a week where we pause to acknowledge the incredible contribution of unpaid Carers, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and ensure our support is visible, inclusive, and accessible.
This year, Carers Week 2025 was packed with heartfelt moments, meaningful connections and powerful conversations. Across Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Wiltshire and Dorset, our team and delivery partners came together to host, support, or attend a wide range of activities – all with one goal: to ensure Carers feel seen, supported and part of a community that understands them.
Reaching Carers Where They Are
From local community hubs to online events, we aimed to be where Carers needed us most. Just a few highlights from the week:
- A Lasting Power of Attorney webinar for Dudley Council staff that provided practical, accessible information – one attendee shared, “This session has been very timely and useful – it’s helped me take that next step.”
- Engagement events at Symphony Hall and Mary Stevens Hospice, which welcomed many Carers new to our services. As one team member observed, “There were quite a few ‘new to caring’ faces – a real opportunity to connect early.”
- A Carers Canal Trip in Dudley offering rest and companionship. Carers told us, “It was very enjoyable,” and “It was good to spend time with others who just get it.”
- An Equalities Focus Group at Symphony Hall that explored how race and religion intersect with caring. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant noting, “I felt heard, and that really matters.” In fact, 100% of attendees said they felt seen and supported during the session.
- A Wellbeing Marketplace in Dorset gave us the chance to connect with local Carers in Bridport, where attendees appreciated the practical advice and local signposting.
What We Heard
It was clear from the feedback that Carers valued both the information and the human connection. Across events, Carers told us:
- “I’ve learned more in this one hour than I have in months.”
- “Just having someone listen to my story has helped more than you know.”
- “I didn’t even realise I was a Carer until today – now I do, and I’m going to get support.”
We also heard suggestions for improvement – from needing longer sessions to better signage at venues. We’re taking all of this on board as we plan ahead for next year.
A Huge Thank You
We want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who made Carers Week 2025 such a success. From the Birmingham team at the Symphony Hall, to our Dudley team leading inclusive wellbeing activities, and our Dorset team who supported Carers at the Bridport Health and Wellbeing Marketplace – and to our local authorities – your collaboration made these moments of connection possible.
Moving Forward Together
Carers Week may be just seven days, but the issues it highlights are year-round. At Forward Carers, we remain committed to creating Carer Friendly Communities – where Carers are recognised, respected, and supported through every step of their caring journey.
If you’re an unpaid Carer, or if someone you know provides regular support to a loved one, visit forwardcarers.org.uk to see how we can help.
Together, we’re making sure no Carer is left behind.
