This year, Forward Carers proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: a decade of empowering unpaid Carers and championing Carer Friendly Communities. Since our establishment in 2014, our mission has been clear – to ensure that Carers are understood, valued, and supported in every aspect of their lives. We hope that whatever way Forward Carers has had input into your life and caring journey that it has been in a positive way.
A Decade of Dedication
Over the past ten years, Forward Carers has grown into an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise and Community Interest Company. By working alongside a network of trusted partners, we’ve extended our reach to provide tailored support to Carers of all ages across Walsall, Wiltshire, Dorset, Birmingham, and Dudley. Our journey has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of Carers.
Marking the Moment: Our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
On 7th December, we marked this significant milestone with a celebratory event at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. This special evening was a time for reflection and gratitude as we honoured the people and partnerships that have shaped our journey.
Simon Fenton, CEO of Forward Carers, captured the essence of our mission during the celebration:
“Building the Forward Carers team and partnership over the past ten years has meant everything to me. I’m proud of our focus on creating Carer Friendly Communities, which we deliver by having clear organisation-wide values around partnership, putting Carers at the centre, delivering on impact, and ensuring that everything we do also provides social value to the communities we serve.”
Reflecting on a Decade of Achievements
As we celebrate this milestone, we take pride in the progress we’ve made:
- Supporting More Carers: We’ve registered and supported over 41,746 unpaid Carers, providing essential resources and services that cater to their unique needs.
- Investing in Communities: Over the past decade, we’ve channelled £16.5 million into the not-for-profit sector, helping to ensure Carers have access to impactful, locally rooted support.
- Championing Carer Friendly Communities: Through our efforts, over 2,606 businesses have taken steps to become Carer Friendly, whether by offering discounts, undergoing Carer awareness training, or creating supportive workplaces.
- Making a Tangible Impact: Our support has made a real difference. After engaging with Forward Carers, 7 in 10 Carers report feeling more positive about their caring role and experiencing improved physical and mental health.
- Carers Voice Programme: Engaging nearly 1,000 Carers annually, this initiative ensures that Carer feedback informs and shapes our services. Our dedicated Carer Ambassadors play a vital role in amplifying the voices of Carers and ensuring our services remain effective.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
As we enter our next chapter, we’re more committed than ever to driving positive change. Our focus on innovation and digital solutions will allow us to reach even more Carers, while our partnership-driven approach remains central to our work.
Dave Rogers, CEO of Midland Mencap and Chair of the Board at Forward Carers, reflected on our journey: “Caring is a journey – sometimes overwhelming, often deeply rewarding, and always constant. Forward Carers has been on this journey for a decade, and we’re excited to continue building Carer Friendly Communities for years to come.”
Thank You!
Our success over the past ten years would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and, most importantly, Carers themselves. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain inspired by the resilience and dedication of unpaid Carers and are determined to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
