By: Bernie Huntingdon

The new Carer Friendly Wiltshire online support service, provided by Forward Carers CIC, is dedicated to anyone living in Wiltshire who is supporting…

Forward Carers has 8 years’ experience of using different approaches to engage and co-design services with Carers, that reflect the diversity…

Today, (Wednesday 9 November 2022), Wendy Chamberlain MP’s Private Carer’s Leave Bill passed its committee stage unopposed. If the Bill is…

Are you Missing Out on Vital Funds?More than seven million UK households could be missing out on benefits like council tax…

Yasmin Qureshi MP presented her second reading of the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, on 28 October. If passed, this Bill…

The Carer’s Leave Bill passed its Second Reading on 21 October. If this legislation is successful, employees across Great Britain could…

Thousands of people with ­disabilities rely on electricity to run life-saving equipment, including ventilators, wheelchairs, hoists, stairlifts, as well as specially…

Forward Carers is committed to creating Carer Friendly Communities where everyone can play a part in improving Carer well-being, including Carer support…

For a second consecutive year, TV presenter Kate Garraway won an NTA award last night at the National Television Awards for…

In partnership with Forward Carers and Midland Mencap, Walsall Council is launching a brand new Carers Hub offering free advice and…

Walsall Council has appointed Forward Carers to lead the new Walsall Carers Hub service to support unpaid family Carers in Walsall….

As part of the Carers Week celebrations, Forward Carers hosted an event on 7 June 2022 to launch this year’s Carer…

Evelyn Armstrong is a new addition to the Forward Carers team and she joined us at one of the most busiest…

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has become the first organisation in England to receive the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark…

There can be no doubt of the moral argument for supporting unpaid Carers. Providing support and care that empowers the amazing…

Over the past year, Carer Friendly Communities has really blossomed, as more organisations and individuals have embraced the idea that communities…

97% of Carers rate their Carer Assessment as Good or Very GoodForward Carers manages Birmingham Carers Hub, a partnership of 20…

The Ageing Better in Birmingham programme is funded by the National Lottery to reduce loneliness and social isolation among local people…

Be part of the Forward Carers team creating Carer Friendly communities with this part-time role based in Birmingham. Forward Carers is…

Friday 4 March marks Employee Appreciation Day, a time to thank and recognise staff for their hard work and loyalty. Ideally…

In response to uncertainty about the new Coronavirus variant, on Wednesday 8th December 2021, the Prime Minister announced that England would…

Forward Carers Carer Friendly Business Awards has recognised six organisations in the West Midlands that have surpassed themselves to support unpaid…

Carers Rights Day was celebrated in style across the West Midlands with the Carer Friendly Business Awards 2021 evening. The nominations…

This year, Carers Rights Day will be held on Thursday 25 November. It is a dedicated day to remind those already…

A high-profile panel from the region’s business and caring community will judge this year’s Carer Friendly Business Awards. Carer Friendly Business…

The government confirmed on 14 September 2021, that it has accepted the final advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination…

Putting yourself in a position to understand the life of an unpaid carer can be difficult, so to get a real…

Yesterday (7 September 2021), the government’s new plan for healthcare, adult social care, and new funding plan was unveiled. The paper…

The Birmingham Pride festival will be held over the weekend of Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September 2021 to recognise and…

September is World Alzheimer’s Month and this time each year, people from around the world come together to raise awareness about…

Currently, one in six working Carers give up work or reduce their hours due to their caring role, and many others…

The government has accepted JCVI’s advice to offer a third COVID-19 vaccine to people with severely weakened immune systems. Health and…

The NHS has written to local health networks asking that clinically vulnerable children* receive their Covid-19 vaccine before school starts in September. The…

Millions of people most vulnerable to COVID-19 may be offered a booster vaccination from September to ensure the protection they have…

During Carers Week, Georgina Gabriel, Project Coordinator Health Liaison for Forward Carers had the opportunity to experience what it might be…

The Black Country and West Birmingham CCG and local GP practices are investigating which technology can help to improve patient access…

Following the petition “Pay Carers an allowance equivalent to a full-time job at the National Living wage”, MPs will debate support…

Yesterday, (19th July 2021), the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised that children at increased risk of serious coronavirus…

Now in its third year, our annual Carer Friendly Business Awards recognises the incredible contribution of businesses and organisations that support…

Walk-in appointments are taking place at locations across Birmingham and Solihull. On certain days and times, residents aged 18 and over can…

We hope that you enjoyed Carers Week and managed to attend one of our events whether this was virtually or face-to-face….

From left to right: Louise Hughes, Emma Dudley and Neil Joesbury On 10 June during Carers Week, Carer Neil Joesbury undertook…

Just ahead of Carers Week, Birmingham Carers Hub Carer Marie Bushell appeared on BBC Midlands Today. Marie is a Carer to…

On 1 June 2021 Birmingham launched its Clean Air Zone. It will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year….

The past few weeks of May and June 2021 have been a whirlwind of good news and celebrations for Forward Carers….

How did you find the move to over the phone or virtual appointments with your GP during the pandemic? For some…

Each year, the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) celebrates the best campaigns and campaigners and is interested in finding those who have made…

We are pleased to announce that Forward Carers video entry in the Social Enterprise Mark CIC ‘Story of 2020’ Competition has…

Forward Carers announced as winner of Best Innovation award from Working Families Forward Carers are thrilled to be named as winners…

We are thrilled to announce that Forward Carers has won the Third Sector Organisation of the Year Award at the 2021 Birmingham…

With Covid cases rising in Birmingham, the government has today announced enhanced support for the city, focussed on increasing vaccination take-up,…

As part of Carers week 2021, Birmingham City Council in partnership with Bristol University and Travel West Midlands/National Express, and Birmingham…

Forward Carers has been shortlisted in the Third Sector Organisation of the Year Category for the 2021 Birmingham Post Business Awards. Midlands…

To mark Carers Week 2021, Carers UK has launched new research entitled Breaks or breakdown which shows the ongoing impact of the pandemic…

The distress and societal issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the extremely vital role that many essential…

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution…

Led by the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Action Week is a national, annual event that sees the public coming together to take…

Congratulations to Arthur Halford from Yardley in Birmingham who celebrates his 100th birthday on 11 May. Arthur is quite remarkable; he…

The finalists for the annual Best Practice Awards have been announced today by work-life balance charity Working Families [2] Forward Carers has…

Forward Carers has been shortlisted to win the Best Community Campaign Award at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) National Campaigner Awards…

As an unpaid carer, you’ll know all about the difficulty of balancing your life, as caring for others means dedicating a…

Rapid lateral flow tests help to find Covid-19 cases in people who may have no symptoms but are still infectious and…

Forward Carers is taking part in Social Enterprise Drive Birmingham which takes place from 19 until 23 April 2021. Social Enterprise…

The COVID-19 pandemic has been, for many people, an eye-opener when it comes to the incredibly important role that unpaid carers…

In 2019, Sheila worked part-time as well as supporting her son who has learning disabilities. Birmingham Carers Hub gave Sheila a…

The Census is here and it’s important that you take part and get counted as a Carer. What is the Census…

Help for residents over Census weekend A series of virtual drop-in sessions are taking place by the Birmingham team this week…

The National Booking Service has begun carefully trialling a text message service for Covid-19 vaccination invitations and reminders, in addition to…

From 15th February 2021 unpaid Carers are included in the next phase of the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine and will…

Forward Carers CIC is looking for an efficient Administrator to join a small friendly team based in Selly Oak, Birmingham. Job…

There are around 800,000 young carers in Britain – children under the age of 18 who help look after a loved…

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the government to invite everyone on the GP learning disability register…

Carer Friendly Communities is an initiative led by Forward Carers to make a difference to the lives of Carers. We spoke…

CarersUK has launched the #FairerForCarers campaign, which asks people to contact their MPs about the need for greater financial support for…

The NHS England and NHS Improvement Learning Disability and Autism Programme is inviting family carers to take part in a workshop….

The NHS, has now confirmed that citizens aged 18 plus who have learning disabilities and classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV)…

The census is a compulsory survey that happens every 10 years and provides a picture of all the people and households…

The government has launched a public survey as part of developing a National Strategy for Disabled People. The Disability Unit in the Cabinet…

A comprehensive list of FAQs and information is available on the dedicated Birmingham and Solihull COVID-19 Vaccination website including what are the vaccine…

Families who directly employ a personal assistant (PA) to care for their clinically vulnerable child are urged to contact their local…

All GP’s across Birmingham and Solihull offer annual health checks for people with learning disabilities aged 14 and over. These health…

Forward Carers is committed to creating Carer Friendly Communities. We’re on a mission to encourage organisations, businesses, health care trusts and…

A number of British Asian celebrities have contributed to a vaccine awareness video co-ordinated by Citizen Khan creator and Good Morning…

The government’s vaccine committee has revised its recommendations to include unpaid carers in the Covid-19 vaccine priority list, ranked as priority…

National Institute for Health Research NIHR has produced six short films with each story based on real conversations about vaccine research….

Christmas is a time of year which can evoke an array of feelings; for many it is a time of great…

As the winter season is upon us, Forward Carers advices you do the following: Get your FREE flu jab. Make sure…

Committed businesses described as “beacons of light amid the bleak COVID landscape” have scooped awards for helping people across Birmingham in…

The consequences of Coronavirus on CarersCoronavirus has had an impact on everyone’s life this year but especially on those who are…

People living in Birmingham and Solihull will soon get better, safer care and treatment, thanks to the introduction of joined-up health…

The second Carer Friendly Business Awards took place on Thursday, November 26 as a virtual awards ceremony. They were launched last…

Thursday 26 November is Carers Rights Day. This day is dedicated to ensuring new and existing Carers are aware of their…

The Unsung Heroes campaign, led by Forward Carers, was set up to raise awareness and celebrate the role of family Carers…

When a person misuses alcohol, it is not just them that’s affected – the impact can be far-reaching with family and…

Caring for someone you love can be extremely rewarding but for others it can be incredibly demanding and all encompassing with…

Birmingham business carer commitment has “shone through among the bleakness of 2020”, a judge for a top awards programme has said….

On 18 September 2020, the Department for Health and Social Care published the Adult Social Care Winter Plan which included a…

Disability Hate Crime: a guide for Carers and supporters The National Police Chiefs’ Council has produced a guide for people who…

Forward Carers CIC today announces the appointment of Dionne Williams in the role of Managing Director. Dionne has worked for Forward…

What is Purple Tuesday?Purple Tuesday was launched two years ago to shine a light on accessible shopping and the barriers faced…

Certain people are exempt from wearing a face covering in public places. The list of exemptions, which has been in place…

‘The day dementia dramatically changed my life’ –award-winning Brum businesswoman speaks out Anjum Khan reveals her heartbreak to mark World Alzheimer’s Month…

Dear Family member/Carer Coronavirus As you will be aware, Coronavirus is still prevalent in Birmingham and we remain committed to ensuring…

Parent/Carer Webinars take place regularly throughout the year and cover a number of different topics. Please see the local offer website…

You may have heard in the news that Coronavirus infection rates are increasing in Birmingham. This means that you are now…

Carers who support a family member or friend in Birmingham have the chance of winning an Alexa! To enter this FREE…

Birmingham businesses which “prioritise and support carers” across the city are being encouraged to take part in an annual awards programme….

#UnsungHero Neil shares his experience of being a Carer to his dad and his brother with Birmingham Museum as part of…

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and University of Sheffield have conducted a survey of 970 unpaid carers in…

As part of the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP), partnership, Contact for Families with Disabled Children have published new research that shows families have been…

#UnsungHero Christie Michael from Essex, hasn’t left her house for three months in fear of making her mum fatally ill. Christie…

An estimated 4.5 million people – three times the size of the NHS workforce – have been forced to become unpaid…

Although restrictions are being lifted suggesting the COVID-19 fight could be a step closer to being won, some are still struggling…

Councillor Locke Councillor Hamilton Councillor Cotton Graeme Betts

Healthwatch Birmingham is helping Healthwatch England with a new research project and we would like to invite you to get involved. …

Unfortunately Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands is unable to attend our live launch today of Carer Friendly Brum….

Becoming a Carer can be a gradual process with many people not recognising the changing nature of their relationship with the…

Forward Carers launches its mission during Carers Week to make Birmingham a ‘Carer Friendly City’ Forward Carers delivers Birmingham Carers Hub,…

Not long to go! From 8 to 14 June it’s Carers Week and we hope that you will join us in…

Hold Still Photography Competition  This national photography competition provides an opportunity to capture the contribution that unpaid carers make to society…

#UnsungHero, Naomi Johnston is a full-time carer to her son. Naomi has been caring for her own mental health by drawing…

Carers UK report, Caring Behind Closed Doors, found 70% of Carers are providing more care than before the coronavirus outbreak. The results…

#UnsungHero Bernie White is using her love of sewing to occupy herself during lockdown and helping the NHS at the same…

Tests for Carers with Coronavirus Symptoms This week the Government changed its guidelines to include Carers as essential workers (such as…

We have some great news to share with you. Forward Carers has worked with Birmingham City Council’s Commissioning and Resilience teams…

Recently, we have all witnessed lots of examples of good will with individuals and businesses going the extra mile but inevitably…

Mobilise is a bunch of carers coming together for supportive chats to share practical tips and tricks, and sometimes just to…

As a result of the current COVID-19 situation, the Be Empowered Workshops Team are now looking to offer the Be Empowered…

Birmingham City Council is working with the city’s voluntary sector umbrella body, Birmingham Voluntary Service Council, to create a coordinated community…

We’re all facing a monumental challenge to both understand and cope with what is going on around us.  As you’ll appreciate we’re…

Friday 13th March is World Sleep Day. Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to keep us physically and mentally well….

Do you care for an adult who lives in the same house as you? Would you like to share your experiences?…

The Carers UK State of Caring 2020 survey has now launched. The survey is the UK’s most comprehensive research into the lives…

You will no doubt have seen the government’s public information about coronavirus. The public awareness campaign focuses on hand washing, washing…

In November, on Carers Rights Day, Forward Carers launched the Carers Card. The Carers Card aims to support Carers to be…

Cold weather can impact on existing health conditions, especially if you are 65 or older, have a long-term health condition, have…

The government has announced that in April 2020, the National Living Wage will increase. This is obviously good news for some,…

If you are looking to keep your children or grandchildren occupied this half term without spending a fortune, here are some…

Did you know that Carers are seven times more likely to say they are always or often lonely compared with the…

Relax, meet new people and learn new stress management skills at a wellbeing break for carers. Organised by Birmingham Carers Hub’s…

Draft Day Opportunities Strategy Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday 11th February 2020 at 10.00am A message from Councillor Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member…

Safer Internet Day (11 February) aims to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology. The internet provides a…

  Time to Talk Day (6 February) raises the awareness of the importance of talking and encouraging everyone to be more…

Enjoy Chinese New Year at the annual celebration in Birmingham on Sunday 26 January 11.30 – 4.00pm. More details about the…

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released guidance on supporting adult carers (people aged 18 and over…

Young Carers Awareness Day takes place on 30 January, it is led by Carers Trust to raise awareness of the challenges…

Almost nine in 10 informal carers receive no support from their employer Do you juggle work with your caring role? Does…

A charity called Dementia Carers Counts runs courses to help carers feel confident, valued and heard. If you are supporting a…

Specialist Dementia Services for Carers Programme In July 2019, Forward Carers was commissioned by Birmingham City Council, BSOL CCG and the…

As a carer, you may find your caring responsibilities leave you little time for developing relationships with friends and family which…

For most of us Christmas is a joyful experience where we can spend time with family and friends but for someone…

If you would like to get into the Christmas spirit, go and see films like Frozen 2, Abominable and Bing’s Christmas….

It doesn’t matter which way you voted and it doesn’t matter if it gets delayed again. This isn’t about hoarding and…

1 in 4 households is home to a person caring for a family member or friend in Birmingham. Following an open tender…

Birmingham businesses are being urged to be more “flexible and supportive” as figures have shown more than a third of UK…

As Carers, it can be challenging to stay connected to friends, family and the wider community when our time is…

Over-50s event to focus on making connections and staying positive in later life   An event celebrating the lives of people…

“Many thanks Rosie for a lovely morning. I obtained more information in that session than I have over the past two…

Ageing Better in Birmingham Ageing Better in Birmingham is a programme to bring together the Birmingham community and help those over…

Our Carers Rights Day event on Friday 30 November in Selly Oak saw the biggest turnout to date of carers…

Our brand new Booklet of Services for Birmingham Carers is a valuable resource for all local Carers. Inside you’ll find information about…

Being a carer can be rewarding, but it comes with the added pressure of money worries, time management and trying to…

TouchBase Pears – Selly Oak forwardcarers.org.uk/event/carers-rights-day-event-event/ At TouchBase we will be running a Mini Well being day from 11am – 3pm which…

Do You Care? “For most of my life I have been a carer, and for half of it, I didn’t…

Your Views Matter!   If you are a carer registered with Birmingham Carers Hub or Birmingham City Council, you may be invited to…

Do you have a family member or friend living with dementia? Do you need more support and knowledge to help you?…

  Birmingham sometimes gets a bad rap from the outside world, but as proud Brummies we know that our great city…

Role description: In partnership with Ageing Better in Birmingham, we are looking at improving opportunities for carers and ex-carers (over 50…

Carers Relaxation Breaks “Absolutely humbled by the experience and meeting other carers in the same boat.” Organised by the Birmingham Buddhist…

The insight of the life of a carer is like reading a bestselling novel. Each carer has their own story to…

Family Counselling Service Welcome Change offer a much needed free and confidential Counselling service for those affected by their loved ones…

A special thank you to all these amazing companies who have donated a gift for our free raffle give away, during…

On Sunday 17th June we are holding a family fun day at the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston. ‘A Life Alongside Caring’ We…

Free training for carers Did you know, we offer a range of free training courses for carers, giving you the skills and confidence…

It is estimated that there are around 107,380 carers (that is 1 in 8 people) living in Birmingham. Birmingham City Council…

As we approach Carers Week, 11th – 17th June 2018. We want you to add 2 dates into your diary. On…

Calling all Carers of Adults! Birmingham City Council wants to develop stronger links with Carers of Adults in Birmingham so that…

Carer breaks are organised by the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, these breaks offer time for rest and nourishment and a chance to…

Sleep rough so others don’t have to! Join YMCA supporters and members of the public on an overnight sleep-out at the…

NHS Birmingham and Birmingham City Council would like to invite carers to a carers’ information event, taking place on Friday 2…

It’s almost Christmas time, and we want you to come sing, dance and be merry at Birmingham’s only Christmas concert exclusively…

Social isolation can come about through the life-changing events that can affect everybody. Carers like you have reported feeling loneliness in…

You may have noticed we’ve had a make-over! We’re delighted to unveil our new test version of the Forward Carers website….

Being a Carer isn’t just caring about someone – although that’s part of it – it’s about all the things that…

While no two carer experiences are the same, there are certain issues that do affect most carers. Caring safely is key…

Our friends at the West Midlands Fire Service want us to keep safe. Read this essential fire safety guidance for carers…