We Asked, You Said, We Did: Improving Support for LGBTQ+ Carers

At Forward Carers, we are committed to ensuring every unpaid Carer feels recognised, respected and able to access support without fear of judgement.
As part of this commitment, we recognised there was more we could do to better understand and support LGBTQ+ Carers.

Towards the end of 2025, we invited LGBTQ+ Carers and former Carers to share their experiences through an online survey and an in-person focus group, kindly hosted by Birmingham LGBT.

The message was clear.

While caring can be rewarding, it can also be exhausting, isolating and emotionally demanding. For LGBTQ+ Carers, these challenges are often compounded by assumptions, a lack of visible inclusion, and uncertainty about whether services are truly safe spaces to be themselves.

We listened carefully to what Carers told us and have spent the first half of 2026 putting that feedback into action.

Here’s What You Said—and What We’ve Done.

Updated Promotional Materials

You said…
Our existing promotional materials didn’t reflect LGBTQ+ Carers or clearly show that Birmingham Carers Hub is a service for everyone.

We did…
We reviewed and redesigned our promotional materials to better represent the diverse communities we support.

Our new posters feature LGBTQ+ couples and families, helping more people see themselves reflected in our service. We have also produced a dedicated leaflet specifically promoting the support available for LGBTQ+ unpaid Carers through Birmingham Carers Hub.

We hope these changes make it immediately clear that LGBTQ+ Carers are welcome, valued and encouraged to access support.

Launch of the LGBTQ+ Carers Support Group

You said…
More than seven in ten respondents (73.5%) told us they wanted a support group specifically for LGBTQ+ Carers.

Several Carers explained that although they appreciated existing groups, conversations often assumed everyone was heterosexual, making it difficult to talk openly about partners, family life and personal experiences. One Carer shared:

“It wasn’t obvious discrimination, but it left me feeling like I didn’t belong, and over time I stopped going.”

Carers told us that an LGBTQ+ specific group would provide:
– A safe space where they could be themselves.
– Shared understanding of both caring and LGBTQ+ experiences.
– Less fear of judgement or assumptions.
– Stronger peer support and improved wellbeing.

As another Carer said:
“When a space understands both the caring role and LGBTQ+ identity, it creates real safety and a sense of belonging.”

We Did…
Working alongside Carers, we supported the launch of a dedicated, peer-led LGBTQ+ Carers Support Group.

The group offers both face-to-face and online attendance, making it easier for Carers to take part regardless of their circumstances.

The group is facilitated by Neil, who balances part-time work while caring for both his father and brother. His lived experience helps create an environment where Carers feel understood, supported and connected.

To register your interest, email:
neiljoesbury@gmail.com

Participants can also choose to join the group’s WhatsApp community to stay connected between meetings.

Birmingham Pride

Sharing Lived Experience

You said… 
You wanted to hear more stories from LGBTQ+ Carers with lived experience. 

Many people said hearing from someone who truly understands both caring and LGBTQ+ life would help others feel less alone and more confident about accessing support. 

We did… 
We invited Carers to share their experiences. 

Understandably, many wished to remain private. However, one Carer has taken the first step by sharing their story. 

Lexi’s experience highlights both the rewards and challenges of caring while being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Take five and read Lexi’s story. 

(Lexi’s name and photograph have been changed to protect their anonymity.) 

We hope Lexi’s story encourages others to share their own experiences and helps more LGBTQ+ Carers recognise that support is available. 

Podcast Featuring an LGBT Carer

To coincide with Carers Week and Pride Month, Forward Carers launched our brand-new podcast called Carer Friendly Conversations. Podcast host Alex invited Neil to be the first guest where he talked about caring, co-caring and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation. Neil said:

“You recognise yourself as LGBTQ+ and also we need to recognise ourselves as a carer as well on top of that and it should really go hand in hand.”

You can find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.

Get Involved

Join the LGBTQ+ Carers Support Group
Whether you are newly caring for someone or have been caring for years, the group offers a welcoming space to connect with others who understand your experiences.

You can attend in person or online.

To find out more or register your interest, contact: neiljoesbury@gmail.com

LGBTQ+ Information and Wellbeing Session
If you identify as LGBTQ+ and provide unpaid care for someone who relies on you, we’d love you to join us.

Tuesday 14 July
12.00pm – 2.00pm
Birmingham LGBT Centre, 151 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 6EW
During the session you can:

• Learn about the free support available through Birmingham Carers Hub.
• Hear Neil’s personal caring story.
• Discover our free BEAM wellbeing programme.
• Meet RESET Psychology
• Participate in a relaxation exercise
• Connect with other LGBTQ+ unpaid Carers in a welcoming and supportive environment.

You are welcome to bring the person you care for.

Places are limited, so we encourage you to book early.

Looking Ahead

Pride Month may be coming to an end, but our commitment to LGBTQ+ Carers continues every day of the year.

The feedback we received has already led to meaningful changes, and this is only the beginning.
We will continue listening, learning and working alongside LGBTQ+ Carers to shape services that reflect their experiences and meet their needs.

Every Carer deserves to feel recognised, respected and able to access support without judgement.
Together, we are building a Birmingham where every unpaid Carer knows they belong.