On 23 July 2025, the Forward Carers team came together for our annual team volunteering day – a special opportunity for staff to strengthen relationships with colleagues while giving back to the local community.
This year, we were delighted to volunteer at the Northfield Beach Premier Access Day in Birmingham, organised by the Northfield Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS). The team selected this volunteering opportunity as it directly supported unpaid Carers and their families.
A Day Designed for SEND Families
The event was created specifically for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), offering a fully accessible experience for families. Activities included:
- Arts and Crafts workshops
- Sports such as boccia and archery
- Circus and performance tents with disabled-led acts
- A sensory dome providing a calming, quiet space
- Information stalls offering guidance and support for Carers
At the heart of the event was a large sandpit “beach” surrounded by deckchairs, creating a holiday atmosphere in a suburban area of Birmingham miles from any beach that families could easily access. Families were able to relax, play, and explore activities in a safe and inclusive environment.
Our Team in Action
The Forward Carers team embraced a variety of volunteering roles, including:
- Supervising the beach play area and distributing refreshments
- Supporting performances in the Circus Tent and assisting with audience participation
- Supervising SEND-friendly archery sessions
- Offering calm support in the Quiet Dome
- Hosting the Forward Carers information stall, signposting families to Carer support and services
One of the most moving moments came when a parent shared that it was the first time her child had engaged in the Quiet Dome. She became emotional seeing her child participate confidently in a space designed for them.
Building Connections – With the Community and Each Other
Our volunteering day is also a valuable team-building experience, allowing colleagues to connect outside of the office and share in meaningful work together.
One team member reflected:
“I really enjoyed the day. It was a fantastic chance to bond with colleagues while also giving something back to the local community. I appreciate Forward Carers for supporting us to make this difference.”
Living Our Values
As an organisation, we are proud to live our values, including our commitment to being Socially Responsible.
Anna Smith, Executive Manager, shared:
“Our team volunteering day is a special date in the year where we live out one of our core values – ‘Socially Responsible: We reduce inequality and through our work, we leave the community and our planet in a better place.’ Every year, this event gives us a chance to give back and connect with the communities we support.”
Forward Carers’ Values are built around supporting Carers, local families, and community partners, measuring our impact and being socially responsible.
Thank You and Get Involved
We would like to thank Owen O’Brien and Bob Jones from Northfield NNS for organising such a brilliant day and inviting us to support.
If you know a charity or non-profit organisation in the West Midlands who could benefit from a team of around 20 enthusiastic volunteers next year, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Contact us at: info@forwardcarers.org.uk
Volunteering Opportunities at Forward Carers
Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation. The contribution from volunteers enables us to expand our services and bring valuable insights from diverse community perspectives. Many of our volunteers are Carers themselves, or used to be in a caring role who share their experiences through surveys, focus groups including their personal stories as part of our Carers Voice Programme.
Find out more about volunteering with us and what opportunities are available.
