Out and About with Anne
Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Fund, Anne, our Community Engagement Project Assistant, has been busy travelling across Birmingham to raise awareness of unpaid Carers.
Anne’s role is vital in reaching people who may not yet recognise themselves as Carers – even though they regularly provide care for a family member, neighbour, or friend. Many parents supporting a child with a disability, partners caring for someone with a long-term illness, or adults helping an ageing parent often don’t realise that what they do is caring. Anne is a Carer herself, so knows how life-changing it can be and how important it is for someone to recognise this role as it opens the door to free advice, support, and services available through Birmingham Carers Hub.
Why This Matters
Accepting the role of “Carer” is not always easy. It can take time for people to recognise the extra responsibilities they carry and to seek support for themselves. That’s where Anne comes in – connecting with individuals and communities, helping them see the value of their caring role, and guiding them towards the services that can support their wellbeing.
Anne also works with community groups and organisations to encourage them to become Carer Friendly, ensuring Carers are recognised, valued, and included.
You Said, We Did
We listen carefully to Carers through our Carers Voice programme. Earlier this year, Carers told us they often find information in libraries, supermarket notice boards and community settings, especially if they don’t have internet access or confidence online. We have used this information to increase our presence in these areas, with a new focus on libraries.
You may also have spotted Anne and her colleague Gill at our Carers Voice Exhibition this summer. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery hosted the exhibition where we shone a light on Carers in response to Carers wanted to be seen, heard and acknowledged. Through art, poetry and storytelling, visitors were invited to step into the lives of those who provide unpaid care to family and friends. One visitor shared: “It reminds me of how things can change in an instant. It may be anyone who ends up caring.” Another attendee wrote: “Yes – I am a Carer and this exhibition has helped me feel more seen and valued.”
Where you’ll find Anne
Anne has already spoken to hundreds of local residents:
- Hosting information stalls at supermarkets including Asda, Morrisons and Tesco.
- Attending over 70 communityevents across Birmingham.
- Running regular two-hour drop-ins at libraries such as: Acocks Green, Erdington, Handsworth, Kings Heath, Mere Green, Northfield, Quinton, Small Heath, Ward End and Druids Heath.
At these sessions, Carers can find out how to:
- Register with Birmingham Carers Hub.
- Access free advice and information.
- Arrange a Statutory Carer’s Assessment.
- Join wellbeing activities.
- Sign up for the Carers Emergency Response Service.
Connecting Through Community Events
Anne has been actively involved in the Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together (SBFT) roadshow marketplace events, launched by Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council last year.
These marketplaces are designed to bring local people and community organisations together, offering practical, on-the-spot support – from advice on benefits, housing, and food banks, to services for families, children, and people with disabilities.
A total of ten SBFT marketplaces will run across Birmingham’s constituencies in 2025, and Anne has been at every one so far. She’ll continue to attend until 26 November. You can check the latest dates, times and venues here.
Get in touch
Do you know a community space where Anne could connect with people who may not yet realise they are Carers? We’d love to hear from you, just drop us a line at info@forwardcarers.org.uk
