Happy New Year and welcome to the January edition of our Carer Friendly Newsletter. As we step into a new year, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all unpaid Carers for everything you do every day.   

In this Newsletter, we’re shining a light on support for Carers in military families, reminding Carers to book onto one of our Carers ID Card Discovery Sessions, sharing this month’s local and national discounts.

We hope this newsletter helps you feel informed, valued, and supported as the year begins. As always, you’re not alone and we’re here to support you every step of the way! 

Featured Offer: Helen’s Hypnotherapy Online and at Helen’s practice-50% Discount.

Caring for someone you love can be rewarding, but it can also take an emotional toll. That’s why Helen at Helen’s Hypnotherapy is offering Dorset Carers an exclusive 50% discount on hypnotherapy sessions to support your wellbeing. Whether you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, exhaustion, overwhelm or simply need space to breathe, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy provides a gentle, effective way to restore calm and build emotional resilience. Sessions are available online or in person in Ferndown, and are designed to fit around the unpredictable nature of caring. 

“As someone who has had a caring role myself, I understand firsthand how deeply caring responsibilities can impact our lives. This lived experience guides my approach and allows me to offer compassionate, non-judgemental support tailored to the unique challenges Carers face. Hypnotherapy can also help with unwanted habits, phobias, confidence, sleep and other issues that can become harder to manage when you’re supporting someone else. You deserve support too, and I’m here to help you take that step”. Helen Wilks DFSH, HPD, AfSFH (Reg), NCH (Reg). 

Supporting Military Personnel, Veterans and Their Families in Dorset

Military life can be very rewarding, but it can also bring unique challenges, especially for families. Frequent moves, periods of separation, physical or mental health needs, and the transition into civilian life can place extra pressure on both service personnel and their family.  

Across Dorset, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that military families, veterans and unpaid Carers are recognised, supported. 

Online Carers Card Discovery Session

Online Carers Card Discovery Sessions are taking place on the 24^th February 2026 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm. Join us and discover how to get and use the card, why it’s important, the exclusive benefits and discounts it offers and how we raise awareness of Carers in the community. 

See the link below to book through Calendly. 

Military life can be very rewarding, but it can also bring unique challenges, especially for families. Frequent moves, periods of separation, physical or mental health needs, and the transition into civilian life can place extra pressure on both service personnel and their family.  

Across Dorset, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that military families, veterans and unpaid Carers are recognised, supported. 

Carers within the Military Community – Why Identification Matters 

Many people in military families supporting a loved one don’t always see themselves as Carers but they are. 

A Carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who could not manage without help due to illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction or injury. Within the Armed Forces community, this might include: 

• Partners supporting veterans with physical injuries or PTSD 

• Parents caring for injured or unwell service leavers 

• Young people helping to support a parent or sibling 

Being recognised as a Carer is important. Carer identification helps people access: 

• Financial and wellbeing support 

• Discounts and concessions 

• Information, advice and community services 

• Recognition for the vital role they play 

• Early identification can make a real difference, helping Carers stay well and continue supporting their families without reaching crisis point. 

Help and care if the lead Carers service in Dorset and BCP Carer Support in the BCP area. It is important to register with them.  In addition, there are several other important organisations there to help.  

The Armed Forces Covenant in Dorset 

The Armed Forces Covenant Programme in Dorset brings together local councils, health services, charities and community organisations to make sure members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and have access to the support they need. 

Support available includes: 

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing support 
• Employment and skills assistance 
• Help with housing, finances and benefits 
• Community engagement and peer support 

You can explore what’s available through the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant directory.

If you’d like to speak to someone directly, you can contact the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme: Email: dorsetafc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 
Address: Armed Forces Wellbeing Team, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester 
Dorset, DT1 1XJ 

Help for Heroes – Practical and Welfare Support 

Help for Heroes provides one-to-one support for veterans, serving personnel, and their families, including those who worked alongside the UK military or are relatives of someone who served. 

Their Welfare Service can help if: 

• You’re struggling with money or cost-of-living pressures 

• You need support applying for benefits 

• Your home is difficult to manage due to disability 

• You’re having problems with the War Pension Scheme 

Veteran Hubs, Sheds and Breakfast Clubs 

Social connection is just as important as practical support. Dorset has a range of welcoming spaces for veterans and their families: 

Veteran Hubs 

Safe, friendly places offering advice, company and refreshments for serving and ex-service personnel and their families. 

Sheds 

Part of the Men’s Sheds movement, these groups offer veterans of all ages the chance to learn practical skills, share experiences and build friendships. 

Breakfast Clubs 

Informal meet-ups for veterans who enjoy catching up regularly. You usually just pay for your breakfast, with no pressure or formal support required. 

For a full overview of what’s available locally, visit the Dorset Forces Charity Network.

Bereavement Support in Dorset 

Sadly, some military families experience bereavement, whether during or after service. Support is available, and no one has to face grief alone. 

Dorset offers a wide range of bereavement support services, including emotional support, counselling and practical guidance. You can find up-to-date information through Help and Kindness Directory ,  BCP Bereavement Support and Leonardo Carer Support 

Whether you are serving, a veteran, a family member who is an unpaid Carer, help is available across Dorset and BCP. Recognition, early support and strong community connections can make a real difference to wellbeing, resilience and family life. 

If you think you might be a Carer, or if you’re supporting someone in the Armed Forces community, reaching out can be the first step towards feeling more supported and less alone. 

Forward Carers is delighted to present Ridgewater Energy with our Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark, recognising the organisation’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace for employees who also have unpaid caring responsibilities. 

This award is given to employers who can clearly demonstrate progress against our five Carer Friendly Standards. These standards help ensure that staff who are Carers feel recognised, understood, and supported, including having the flexibility to take additional time off when needed to meet their caring responsibilities. 

Peter Bywater, Managing Director at Ridgewater Energy, said: 
“We are really proud to receive this award, in recognition of our company’s culture, under which, we care about our employees and give them the support and flexibility, to fulfil any caring responsibilities they may have now, and in the future. We recognise that there is always more we can do, but in achieving this recognition, we have made a strong commitment to carry on providing and strengthening this support.” 

One Ridgewater employee, who is an unpaid Carer for their parents, shared the impact this support has had: 
“I really value and appreciate knowing that the support is there, when I need it. Because, I know there is the flexibility for me to have extra time off, flexibility in attending appointments and knowing the company I work for, fully support my needs and go beyond what is typically expected from legislation, I can focus on both my wellness and my parents care, knowing they have my back.” 

Across the UK, 1 in 7 workers are unpaid Carers. Many juggle demanding roles at home and work and are often the most skilled and experienced staff. Without the right support in work, Carers Uk estimate 600 people in UK leave work every day due to caring.  

Ridgewater Energy has taken proactive steps to address this. Their team completed Carer Awareness Training, increasing understanding of unpaid caring roles and equipping advisors and assessors with the knowledge to better support clients and advocate for Carers. The organisation also actively supports the wider caring community through donations, attending events, delivering talks, and ensuring Carers’ needs are considered throughout their projects. 

Rachel Close, Programme Manager for Community and Business Relationships at Forward Carers, said: 
“We are incredibly impressed by the dedication and care Ridgewater Energy has shown in putting the wellbeing of their staff at the heart of their workplace culture. Their commitment goes beyond supporting employees who are Carers – by completing our Carer Awareness training, they have ensured that all staff are equipped to recognise and understand the challenges Carers face, both within their workforce and across the wider community. It’s inspiring to see a company using this knowledge to guide others towards support, creating a ripple effect of care and understanding that truly embodies what it means to be a Carer Friendly Employer.” 

Forward Carers is proud to recognise Ridgewater Energy’s leadership and commitment. Their actions set a strong example for employers across Dorset and show what is possible when workplaces truly value and empower Carers. 

Forward Carers is proud to recognise Birmingham Community Healthcare (BCHC) as a recipient of our Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark. This prestigious award acknowledges workplaces that actively support staff who carry unpaid caring responsibilities, through recognition, policies, and a supportive culture.

BCHC has taken a leading role in this commitment by establishing a dedicated Carers Staff Network and embedding wellbeing support, flexible practices and Carer workplace Champions. 

Richard Kirby, CEO of BCHC, said: 

“We’ve been on a journey of seeking to take the support for people in BCHC who are Carers more seriously for quite a while now and I am really grateful to the Carers’ network for helping us do that. Their role as critical friends, raising issues, giving us feedback, helping us think through sensible responses, is really important. It’s been eye-opening just how many in our staff have caring responsibilities outside of work. Our job as an employer has to be to make it as easy as possible for people juggling work and care.”  

Simon Fenton, CEO of Forward Carers, added during the Carer’s Rights Day event and award presentation: 

“Your staff network, your enhanced access to wellbeing support, your clear signposting, and your commitment to creating local care champions all demonstrate a Trust that genuinely understands its workforce and is prepared to invest in their wellbeing. In a sector where caring responsibilities are especially common, BCHC shows how a truly supportive, flexible and compassionate employer can operate.”  

Rachel Close, Programme Manager at Forward Carers, commented: 

“As a working Carer myself, it is always a joy to meet passionate, like-minded staff networks. Joint Network Chairs Akunna Madufor and Abdulsalam Olatunde have continued to juggle work, caring and leading this new staff network with such energy and commitment. I’m looking forward to continuing our training and mentoring support as the network grows.” 

Forward Carers applauds BCHC’s for taking tangible steps towards embedding carer-friendly practice across the organisation. Their achievement highlights the significant difference employers can make when they acknowledge and support unpaid Carers among their workforce and the wealth of knowledge and experience these staff members provide.  

We look forward to continuing our partnership with BCHC, delivering training, mentoring and guidance as they continue to embed their commitment to Carers.

About BCHC

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – known as BCHC – deliver more than 100 different NHS services for people of all ages. They provide core community health services for the 1.1 million people of Birmingham and also a range of specialist rehabilitation and dental services for the 6.5 million people across the wider West Midlands region.  

To read more about BCHC and their Commitment Mark Award, click below.  

Featured offer/service – Cindy Perry

Discounts for Carers on Indian Head massage and workshops.

Cindy Perry, ITEC Qualified Alternative Practitioner and Naturopath. 

“I have been working with carers from BCP Carers Support for over 20 years and have experienced a caring role within my own family. I therefore recognise the challenging role that carers have and enjoy providing them with these methods of relaxation and stress relief. 

In my experience carers enjoy Indian Head, Neck and Shoulders Massage. This is a seated therapy and I work through clothing, so no oils need to be used and clients don’t need to undress. 

Using various gentle massage techniques on common tension areas of the upper body, a state of deep relaxation is achieved. 

I also run beginners relaxation and wellness classes either on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Classes may include, for example, breathing techniques, gentle self-massage and meditation resulting in clients feeling de stressed and calmer. These classes are run in a non-competitive environment with clients joining in when they want to and to their own capabilities. One to one classes are customised to that particular clients’ needs. “

Call 01202249882 to chat about treatments. If the phone line doesn’t connect it means I am with a client, so please try again later. 

Why every unpaid Carer in Dorset should have a Carer Friendly ID Card

If you’re caring for a family member, friend or loved one — whether you’re working, studying, or juggling home life — the recently published guide “How to Get and Use Your Free Carer ID Card” is well worth a read.

Because every caring role deserves recognition

Too many unpaid Carers feel invisible. The new Carer ID Card gives you a simple, official way to show you’re providing unpaid care — whether that’s at work, school, hospital, or out and about.

Practical benefits to make daily life smoother

With the Card in hand (or on your phone), you can:

• Prove your status as a Carer to employers, health and social-care professionals, or pharmacists.
• Carry ICE contact information in case of an emergency — helpful for peace of mind.
• Access local discounts, leisure entry, and online savings via partnered businesses — making caring responsibilities a little easier on the wallet.

How to get your free card

If you live in Dorset and are registered with either BCP Carers Support or Help & Care, this card is free — just follow the simple online application process. Cards are available as a physical copy and also as a digital version for your phone.

Book an Online Carers Card Discovery Session!

Online Carers Card Discovery Sessions are taking place on the 24^th February 2026 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm. Join us and discover how to get and use the card, why it’s important, the exclusive benefits and discounts it offers and how we raise awareness of Carers in the community. 

See the link belows to book through Calendly. 

Select a Date & Time – Calendly  1.30pm – 2:30pm 

Select a Date & Time – Calendly  6.30pm – 7:30pm

Forward Carers is proud to celebrate Action for Children’s achievement of the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark, a milestone that reflects an ongoing commitment to gradual, sustainable change. We will continue to support Action for Children as they embed Carer-friendly practices and implement the changes they wish to see across their organisation.

This proactive approach ensures that positive Carer awareness, access to support within Action for Children and the wider community, and strong advocacy for Carers are embedded throughout the organisation’s culture and practice.

Rachel Close, Programme Manager at Forward Carers, said:

“It’s been a real pleasure working with Action for Children to support their journey towards becoming a Carer Friendly Employer. By developing Carer Champions across the country and launching a dedicated staff network, they’ve demonstrated a genuine commitment to creating a workplace where every Carer feels valued and understood.”

Brigitte Gater, Managing Director of Children’s Services at Action for Children, added:

“Action for Children is incredibly proud to achieve the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment mark, confirming our dedication towards creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff.

“We have been working closely with Forward Carers and colleagues within Action for Children who are Carers themselves, to ensure we are putting systems in place that properly support staff with personal caring responsibilities.

“We have set up a staff network for Carers and are developing trained Carer Champions, who will ensure that Action for Children continues to provide effective support to staff and improve wellbeing, including offering flexible working arrangements and paid dependency leave.

“Our aim is to empower staff to balance work and care and receive the support they need to feel happier, healthier and understood – and we are thrilled that these efforts have been recognised.”

About Action for Children
Action for Children protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. With 342 services in local communities across the UK, in schools and online, in 2024/2025 the charity supported 551,400 children, young people, and families.

Your Carer Friendly ID Card helps you be recognised quickly, whether you’re collecting a prescription, visiting hospital, speaking to school or work, or accessing local support. 

Many Carers and Young Carers tell us how much they appreciate having a digital version they can access instantly on their phone, especially on busy days. That’s why we encourage you to store your card safely on your smartphone and show it whenever you need it. 

We’re also working on a new, improved Carer ID Card based on your feedback. While that’s in development, thank you for sticking with us and making the most of the digital version. 

Here’s a Step-by-step guide 

Option 1: Add Your Carer ID Card to Your Mobile Wallet (Android)

If you have an Android phone, you can store your card in Google Wallet. This keeps it safely in one place, just like bank cards or travel passes. 

How to add your card: 

1. Open the Google Wallet app. 

2. Tap “+ Add to Wallet”, then choose “Everything else”. 

3. Take a clear photo of both sides of your Carer ID Card 
   – tap the button when prompted to capture the second side. 

4. Select “ID Card” as the type. 

5. Add any extra details if the app asks (for example, your region). 

6. Tap Save or Add. 

Once added, you can open Google Wallet any time and tap ‘View pass images’ to show both sides of your Carer ID Card when asked. 

Option 2: Save Your Carer ID Card in Your Phone’s Photo Gallery (All Phones) 

This option works on all smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices. 

How to do it: 

1. Take a photo of both sides of your Carer ID Card. 

2. Save the images in your phone’s photo gallery. 

3. Move them into your Favourites or Starred folder so they’re easy to find quickly. 

This simple method is great for Young Carers or anyone who wants a no-fuss digital version. 

Why Using a Digital Card Helps 

Keeping a digital version of your Carer ID Card means: 

• You can show it instantly in appointments, pharmacies, workplaces, shops, or schools. 

• It reduces the risk of losing the physical card. 

• It helps people recognise your caring role when you need support. 

• It’s an easy backup while we work on your enhanced card. 

Several Carers also tell us that carrying a digital card gives them added confidence, especially when explaining their role to professionals who may not always understand the pressures they’re under. 

Being recognised as an unpaid Carer can make daily life easier, but many Carers in Dorset tell us this is still a challenge. In our survey, only 28.5% of Carers agreed they feel recognised and respected. Carers attending our focus group said they wanted to be recognised as an expert, while many said they wanted clearer proof of their caring role.

That’s why our Carer ID Card is so important. It’s a free, simple way to show you’re a Carer – whether at work, school, healthcare appointments, or out and about.

What is the Carer ID Card?
The Carer Friendly ID Card is available as both a physical card and a digital version on your mobile phone. It displays your photo, just like a driving licence, so you can easily prove your caring status.

Benefits of Having a Carer ID Card

• Verification of Your Caring Role
  Show that you are a Carer in workplaces, colleges, or healthcare settings – whether you are in paid work, a Young Adult Carer, or supporting medical discussions.
• Security
  Carrying a card means you don’t need to bring sensitive paperwork with you.
• Confidentiality
  Quickly prove your caring status without having to explain your situation in front of the person you care for.
• Peace of Mind
  Your card includes In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details, giving reassurance that the person that you provide care for will be supported if something happens to you.
• Exclusive Discounts & Offers
  You’ll get access to our Wellbeing Directory, discounts across Dorset (see below), and hundreds of online savings through Discounts for Carers.

Where Can I Use My Carer ID Card?

Our Carer ID Card can be used in a variety of situations to effectively explain your caring responsibilities and the impact that this role has on your life.  Your card can be used to:

• Explain lateness at work, as you may have to wait for paid carers to arrive
• Show employers why you need flexibility or, explain the need to take urgent caring phone calls
• Collect prescriptions from pharmacies
• Validate your role and provide valuable input to medical staff and social workers
• Access events, attractions, and discounts across Dorset and beyond.

During the pandemic, Carers used their ID card to legitimately travel outside of their area and access priority shopping hours to support the person they care for as a key worker.

Local Discounts and Free Entry

As of November 2025, Carer ID Cardholders can access a wide range of discounts and free entry across Dorset, including:

• Free entry if you are with the person that you care for: Flip out Poole, Dorchester Arts Parkinson’s Class, Brownsea Island National Trust, Verwood Hub Cinema and Events, Athelhampton House and Gardens. (Some of these attractions require documentation for the person that you care for so check ahead).
• Free entry to Sports and Leisure Centres, if you are with the person that you care for: Ferndown Leisure Centre, Blandford Leisure Centre, Weymouth swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, 1610 Dorchester Sports Centre. Registration sometimes needed.
• Flip out Poole, Dorchester Arts Parkinson’s Class, Brownsea Island National Trust, Verwood Hub Cinema and Events, Athelhampton House and Gardens. (Some of these attractions require documentation for the person that you care for so check ahead).
• Discounts: BH Live- Your Carers Card is accepted for the BH Live Access Scheme. 12-month membership-payable monthly or Pay as You Go Classes. (All at reduced prices). Natural Skin by Lynne (Complimentary Pamper Sessions), Caroline Anne Psychotherapy (25% discount), Wildway Bushcraft (20%), Horrocks & Webb (10%), The Old Piggery (10% discount on plants).

See the full and regularly updated list in our Wellbeing Directory, just type in Dorset with a 20-mile radius in the search filter.

Carers’ Voices

Here’s what some Carers told us about their card:

• “My Carer’s Card allowed me to see my Dad in hospital outside visiting times.”
• “I use it for free entry to attractions – it saves carrying lots of paperwork.”
• “It was great to receive a digital card for immediate use whilst waiting for the physical card to arrive.”
• “I was able to persuade hospital staff to let me stay overnight on a Z bed with my Mom because I could prove I was her Carer.”
• “A Blue Light cardholder, got a discount in a shop so I asked if I could too with my carers card and I got it!” 

• “Ordered a card for my daughter that cares for me and her Grandmother with parkinsons. So useful for her just to have the identification especially if out and about for supporting at events etc.”
• “I find Discount for Carers a great support package. I use them for travelling and to book hotels, I also use them for discounts on meals out.”
• “Found the card very useful for gaining access to hospital and Care Home during Covid restrictions.”

How to Apply

The Carer Friendly ID Card is provided by Forward Carers and is available for FREE to unpaid Carers who newly register with either BCP Carers Support (BCP Council residents) or Help & Care, (for Dorset Council residents from 24^th November 2025). The card is also available for existing registered Carers who need to renew an expired card. The card is fully funded by Dorset Council and BCP Council to make life better for unpaid Carers.

This is the official Carers ID Card for Dorset. The Carer Friendly ID Card is available to you if you are an unpaid Carer:

• AND you have recently registered with BCP Carers Support (BCP Council residents), or Help & Care (Dorset Council residents from 24^th November 2025).
• OR, if you have an existing ID Card that has expired, or  you have received a letter or email from your Carer service confirming you are eligible for a new Carer Friendly ID Card

If you have any questions, please contact BCP Carers Support or Help & Care (from 24^th November 2025) for more information.

If you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, register with BCP Carers Support here or call 01202 128787. If you are caring for someone living in Dorset Council area, register with Help & Care here or call 0300 111 3303 from 24^th November 2025.

Help Us Grow Carer Friendly Communities

• Tried your card somewhere new? Let us know at info@forwardcarers.org.uk so we can approach them to officially join and offer a discount.
• Know a local business keen to help? Ask them to sign up to our free Carer Friendly scheme.
• Want to do more? Spread the word and encourage more businesses and services to provide offers.

Your Carer ID Card is more than just proof – it’s recognition, support, and peace of mind.

National Carers: Savings Across the UK

Dorset Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources

Why not have a look at where you could buy your Christmas gifts this year using your Carers ID Card. Lots of lovely things to find with a discount...

In Dorset visit: 

 DJ Brooking in Parkstone for a 10% discount on books in stock or ordered.  

Westbourne bookshop also offers a 10% discount. 

Kathrens Rare Knitwear in Lyme Regis offers a 10% discount on her beautiful knit wear items. 

Why not order some flowers for delivery or find a special Christmas gift in Pamplemousse in Shaftesbury. 10% discount.  

Thinking of your pets at Christmas, Paws and Claws pet shop in Shaftesbury offers a 5% discount. 

Featured offer– The Black Belt Academy

Carers Rights Day 2025 – Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights Support 

Carers Rights Day is fast approaching on Thursday 20^th November – a national awareness day dedicated to ensuring unpaid Carers understand their rights, know where to get help, and feel supported in their caring role.  

Across Dorset and Wiltshire, partners are coming together to host a variety of online and in-person events offering advice, information, and wellbeing activities for Carers. 

A full programme of events will be available soon on the Our Dorset website, our own Forward Carers online calendar in Wiltshire, and the Carers Together Wiltshire events – so keep an eye out and get involved on what is on near you!

Carers Rights Day Online Events  

Remember to book onto these, we would love to see you there.  

The Carers Card and How it Supports your Rights, 18th November 2025 6.30pm-7.15pm.  

Link to Book: Carers ID Card Discovery Session – Carers Rights  

Support For Working Carers-Rights at Work 20th November 7pm-7.45pm.  

Link to Book: Support For Working Carers 

The theme this year is “Know your rights, use your rights”. This day is a call to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution of unpaid Carers and to ensure that you – the Carers we support – are empowered with the knowledge, tools and support you deserve.

Why this day matters

There are an estimated 5.8 million unpaid Carers in the UK – people providing care to a partner, family member, friend or neighbour without being paid. Many Carers do not recognise themselves as Carers, and may miss out on the rights and support available. Knowing your rights is not just about legal entitlement, it’s about safeguarding your wellbeing, protecting your role as a Carer, and enabling the person you care for to receive the best support.

What rights should Carers know about?

Here are some of the key rights and entitlements you should be aware of:

• The right to a Carer’s Assessment: if your caring role is affecting your life, you have the right to ask your local authority for an assessment to identify support for you.
• The right to be identified as a Carer: for example, on GP records, and to access immunisations or health checks.
• Employment-related rights: you have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment, and under the new framework you can change arrangements more than once a year.
• The right to challenge when your rights are not being met: whether that is discrimination in the workplace, being left out of decisions about the person you care for, or transitions between children’s and adult services.

What we at Forward Carers are doing…

As a values-driven social enterprise dedicated to recognising, valuing and supporting unpaid Carers, here’s how we are marking this Carers Rights Day:

• Events (online & in- person) across our regions (Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Dorset and Wiltshire) to help you understand your rights, ask questions and access support.

• Measurement and impact focus: we will track how many Carers access the sessions, how many undertake a Carer’s Assessment after the event, and how many report feeling more confident in exercising their rights in our service areas over next 12 months.

• Testimonies & case-studies: sharing real-life stories of unpaid Carers we support, to highlight the difference that rights awareness can make.

Why it matters for Carers and whole families…

For the Carer: this day and ongoing work is about you – your health, your potential to carry out caring in a sustainable way, your ability to have a life outside caring.

For the person you care for: when you are supported and empowered, the quality of care improves, the relationship is stronger, and the whole family benefits.

For services & businesses: recognising and supporting unpaid Carers reduces hidden costs, prevents crises, and builds resilient, Carer-Friendly communities. Indeed, Carers underpin our health and social care systems, and deserve to be “seen, heard and supported”.

How you can get involved

• If you are a Carer (or think you might be) — book into one of our Carers Rights Day sessions and use the day to gain information and advice or: “What rights am I entitled to? Am I using them?”

• If you are an employer or organisation — join us in promoting Carer-Friendly policies, sharing resources, and making your workplace one where Carers are recognised and supported.

• Share your story: whether via our social channels or email us — your voice helps others realise they are not alone.

Closing thoughts

On this Carers Rights Day we commit to standing with you: helping you know your rights, feel confident to use them, and supporting you to live a life beyond caring. As one of our partners said recently: “When Carers understand their rights, everything changes.” We look forward to working together to build Carer-Friendly Communities where unpaid Carers are truly recognised, valued and supported.