A new Carers’ Strategy launched today (24 November) is set to benefit the estimated 28,000 carers in Solihull, who provide unpaid support to a family member or friend because of illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or addiction.
The strategy has been developed by partners across the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System including Solihull Council, NHS Birmingham and Solihull, Solihull Community Housing and Carers Trust Solihull along with local voluntary and community organisations.
Cllr Tony Dicicco, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health explains: “We’re launching the new strategy to coincide with Carers’ Rights Day and its focus on letting carers know where they can get help and support. The strategy recognises the difficulties that adult carers and young carers have told us they face, what’s important to them and the support they need from organisations across Solihull. A range of carers have been involved in developing the strategy. And carers’ voices will continue to be heard as we deliver the plan.”
Cllr Michael Gough, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, says: “Carers in Solihull play a huge role in our community. At least one in ten of our residents supports a family member or friend, proving essential support to enable them to live a good life.”
He continues: “In the strategy we’ve identified priorities for action which include respite, information, wellbeing and digital skills. All partners have committed to deliver a set of practical actions, like the cost of living information event organised by Carers Trust Solihull which took place yesterday.”
Lisa Stalley-Green, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Birmingham and Solihull, says: “This strategy is significant as it’s the first we have approved as an Integrated Care Board. It recognises the need to value and support carers and make a real difference to their lives and the lives of the people they care for. We are looking to focus on the particular and complex needs of children and young people who are carers.”
The Carers’ Strategy is published on the Council website.
Anyone with caring responsibilities is encouraged to visit the Carers Trust Solihull website for information and advice or call them on 0121 788 1143. Information for carers is also available on the Council website. https://www.solihull.gov.uk/adult-social-care/am-I-a-carer