Help for Unpaid Carers in Birmingham will Continue through Forward Carers Contact Win
Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Children’s Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board have awarded Forward Carers CIC with a five-year contract to manage the Birmingham Carers Hub provision.
Forward Carers is a not-for-profit organisation that has been overseeing Birmingham Carers Hub since 2015. The West Midlands-based Community Interest Company was successful in the rigorous tender process and will start a new contract in April this year. As a lead partner, Forward Carers manages other not-for-profits across the city to deliver holistic support to unpaid Carers via the Birmingham Carers Hub provision.
Birmingham Carers Hub advisors conduct Statutory Carer’s Assessments for adults caring for another adult, and depending on need, Carers may be eligible for a Wellbeing Payment. Carers over the age of 18 living in Birmingham can access a range of information, training, advice and support, attend events and activities as well as access to the free Carers Emergency Response Service.
The 2021 Census revealed there are around 100,000 people living in Birmingham who are providing unpaid care to a family member or close friend who is dependent upon their support. The person that they care for may be frail, have dementia, mental health problems, a physical or hidden condition, they may be living with a serious illness, or have an alcohol or substance addiction.
Being a Carer is not just limited to physical care such as personal care or domestic care, it can also be providing emotional support, help with medical appointments, medication, finances, or assistance with communication. Some people provide a few hours of care a week while others dedicate round-the-clock support and can be at risk of burning out, Birmingham Carers Hub is designed to prevent this from happening.
Simon Fenton, Forward Carers, CEO said: “We are thrilled and extremely proud to have been awarded this contract for the third time, and we look forward to continuing working in partnership with the city and NHS. We have some exciting new developments aimed at improving the wellbeing of many Carers who do not currently receive support. With our unique partnership, we have supported thousands of Carers during the pandemic and we will be there for them throughout the cost of living crisis.”
Councillor Khan commented:
“As Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Forward Carers on securing the contract for delivering Birmingham Carers Hub. This is a major accomplishment and a testament to your hard work and dedication to improving the lives of Birmingham’s unpaid/family carers.
As Cabinet Member, I am deeply aware of the challenges that Birmingham’s carers face, as well as the challenge associated with providing the type of support to our carers that truly makes a difference. This contract award will help to ensure that those who provide care, often in the most challenging of circumstances, continue to receive the support they need and deserve.
I believe that this contract award will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most, and I’m eager to see the positive results and innovations that it will bring.
Those who provide unpaid care in Birmingham make a tremendous contribution that is never underestimated. Having overcome the worst of the challenges that Covid presented, many unpaid carers now face further hardship due to the economic crisis. Robust advice, guidance and support for Birmingham’s Carers has never been more important than it is today.
Once again, huge congratulations on this outstanding achievement.”
Carers can register free of charge by submitting a form here or by emailing info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk, alternatively, to speak to an advisor call 0333 006 9711 (low rate charge or request a call back). Information and advice for carers outside of Birmingham can visit www.forwardcarers.org.uk.
