Forward Carers at Birmingham Pride: Raising Awareness, Celebrating Inclusion 

On Sunday 24th May, Forward Carers were proud to attend Birmingham Pride, raising awareness of unpaid Carers and sharing a clear message: our services are inclusive, welcoming and here for everyone. 

We believe Carer support must be accessible to all communities, and being visible at Birmingham Pride is an important part of that commitment.

LGBTQ+ Carers, families and communities should know that they are welcome, valued and able to access support without judgement. 

Chantell Marler, Programme Director, talks us through what was an incredible (and very warm) day for all involved.

Forward Carers at Birmingham Pride 2026

“We had two stalls across the day, with one based within the Birmingham LGBT Centre, which opened at the end of last year. What an amazing space. The welcome was so warm, the facilities were fantastic, and we are really grateful to have been invited to be part of the day. 

Our second stall was over at the Smithfield site, the main arena for entertainment. 

It was a bright, vibrant and energetic day, with plenty of music, colour and celebration. Although temperatures reached around 28°C, the team stayed energised and ready to speak to people enjoying the event. 

Throughout the day, we met some wonderful individuals, families and couples. Many were already providing support for someone in their life, even if they had not always recognised themselves as an unpaid Carer.

Some were supporting a partner, parent, friend, neighbour or family member. Others were interested in finding out more so they could share information with someone they knew.”

“People had travelled from across the country, which showed just how important large community events like Birmingham Pride are. They give us the chance to reach people who may not come across Carer support in more traditional ways, and to have conversations in spaces where people feel seen, welcomed and included. 

We were able to help people better understand what support may be available in their local area, as well as signposting to services in Birmingham and surrounding areas.

For some, it was about practical information. For others, it was simply a conversation that helped them realise that the support they provide matters, and that they do not have to manage everything alone.” 

Our Mission

“For us, being there was part of a much bigger piece of work around equity and inclusion.

Forward Carers services are for every Carer, and over the past year we have been working with different groups of Carers to better understand what genuinely inclusive services look like for them. 

That work has led to changes both big and small, from reviewing language and developing new materials, to making sure we are present in spaces where we can meet people from different communities and identities where they are.

The chance to attend Birmingham Pride is part of this commitment to make Carer support accessible to all communities” 

“It was a fantastic day, fully enjoyed by everyone involved.

A warm thank you to the organisers, to Eva for welcoming us into the event, and to everyone who stopped to speak with us. 

We are already looking forward to returning next year.”