Thanks to unpaid carers
Dudley Council House and Himley Hall will be lit up in blue on Monday evening (June 8) to say thank you to the borough’s unpaid carers.
Monday marks the start of national carers week, which will run until June 14. Its theme this year being ‘making carers visible’.
The two council buildings will be lit up in the colour of the national campaign in honour of the borough’s unpaid carers, who continue to care for a loved one or friend despite the challenging times they face.
It’s estimated there are now more than 40,000 unpaid carers in Dudley borough alone.
A video of leading figures in the borough will also be shared online and via social media with a message of thanks.
Dudley Carers Hub offers advice, information and support to people who are caring for a loved one, friend or neighbour. Whilst the hub building is closed in line with government guidance, carers can contact the service on its advice line from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care said:
"We are incredibly proud of our unpaid carers who do a tremendous job all year round and are continuing to do so despite the impact of coronavirus.
"Due to the nature of the situation, we know many of our carers are currently unable to access services such as day care, and therefore have little respite from their caring role. But as ever they remain dedicated to the person they care for.
"Unpaid carers have a big impact on easing the pressure on local health and social care services and it’s therefore really important we take a moment to say thank you and show our appreciation for what they do
"We look forward to the day we can welcome carers back to Dudley Carers Hub but for now staff are at the end of the phone to offer any help they can."
Carers can call Dudley Carers Hub on 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk
The hub would also like to capture local experiences and challenges of caring both during and prior to the coronavirus outbreak. This could be in the form of a poem, story, picture or video message. People can send their stories to Dudley Carers Hub, Wellington Road, Dudley, DY1 1RU or email them to dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk