Local support can make a significant difference to unpaid Carers’ wellbeing, confidence and ability to continue caring. 

Through Carer Friendly Dudley, Adult and Young Carers can access practical support, wellbeing opportunities and information that helps them navigate the challenges of caring and live a full life alongside their caring role. 

Forward Carers is commissioned by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver Adult Carers Wellbeing, in partnership with Dudley Carers Hub, and also Dudley Young Carers services. 

For registered adult Carers, this includes wellbeing conversations, groups and activities designed to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. For Young Carers, our service provides opportunities that help them build confidence, make friends and take a break from caring. 

Our Impact Review 2025 highlights the support provided during the past year and the difference it has made for Adult and Young Carers across Dudley, alongside the wider work being delivered by Forward Carers across the West Midlands and South-West. 

Why do we produce an Impact Review? 

At Forward Carers, we believe that measuring impact is about much more than counting activities or reporting statistics. 

Our Impact Review helps us understand whether support is making a difference in Carers’ lives, what we’re learning and where we can improve. It also helps us remain accountable to commissioners, funders, partners and the Carers who help shape our services through their feedback and experiences. 

What does the review tell us about Dudley? 

During 2025, the Dudley Adult Carers Wellbeing Service supported 308 registered Carers, delivering 1,338 one-to-one contacts and casework sessions, completing 209 wellbeing assessments and recording more than 1,000 attendances across 140 groups and wellbeing activities. 

At the same time, Dudley Young Carers supported 321 Young Carers, delivered 26 group sessions and activities, recorded more than 550 attendances, and worked with schools across the borough to improve identification and access to support. 

Supporting Adult Carers 

For adults, the Dudley Adult Wellbeing Service for registered Carers often starts with helping people recognise that their own wellbeing matters too, and that support is available. 

Alongside information and wellbeing conversations, the service helped Carers access practical advice and specialist support. During the year, Carers were supported to identify welfare benefit entitlements worth an average of £98.89 per week, helping people manage some of the financial pressures that can accompany a caring role. 

One Carer shared: 

“This has made a huge difference to my mental health and wellbeing, I feel less isolated, heard and feel that I’m not alone anymore.” 

The review also highlights the experience of a Carer supporting her mother who was living with dementia. Through the service, she accessed benefits advice, practical support and opportunities to connect with other Carers, helping her feel less isolated and more confident. 

Supporting Young Carers 

Young Carers often balance caring responsibilities alongside education, friendships and growing up. 

Dudley Young Carers provides opportunities for young people to take a break from caring, spend time with others who share similar experiences and access support when they need it. 

During the year, Young Carers took part in a range of activities, trips and group sessions designed to build confidence, reduce isolation and create opportunities to have fun. 

One Young Carer said: 

“It was nice to have a break from caring and just have fun.” 

The service also continued to develop the Carer Friendly Schools programme, helping schools better identify and support Young Carers. By the end of the year, 38 schools had engaged with the programme, helping raise awareness and improve support for pupils with caring responsibilities. 

Creating Additional Value 

Alongside commissioned support, Carer Friendly Dudley secures additional funding, resources and opportunities that helped extend support available to local Carers. 

For our Young Carers service, this included Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) funding to deliver 200 funded sessions for 70 Young Carers, free Merlin attraction tickets for 60 Young Carers and family members, and Christmas presents worth £9,600 through Cash4Kids Mission Christmas. More than 250 additional session spaces were also funded for Young Carers. 

Across the wider service, grants and in-kind gifts worth more than £10,000 were secured to increase support available to Carers, while partnerships enabled 43 Carers to access free bus travel, data SIMs and overnight breaks.  

These additional opportunities help remove barriers, reduce financial pressures and ensure more Carers can access the support and experiences available to them. 

Part of a Wider Picture 

While this article focuses on our Carer Friendly Dudley activity, these services form part of Forward Carers’ wider network of support across the West Midlands and South-West. 

The review provides an opportunity to explore both the local impact of services delivered in Dudley and the wider contribution that Carer support makes across communities. 

Thank You 

Thank you to the Carers, staff, volunteers, partners, commissioners and funders who have contributed to supporting unpaid Carers across Dudley during the past year. 

Your insight, commitment and collaboration continue to help ensure Carers can access the information, advice and support they need. 

Read the Impact Review 

Whether you’re a Carer, a partner organisation, a commissioner or simply interested in supporting unpaid Carers, we invite you to explore the full Impact Review and learn more about the difference being made across Dudley and the wider Forward Carers network.

Forward Carers Impact Review 2025

As part of our Carers Week 2026 activities, members of the Dudley Wellbeing Service Dementia Carers Group were invited to a memorable day out at Aston Hall, followed by a beautiful afternoon tea at the Aston Tavern.

For many Carers, opportunities to take time out, connect with others and enjoy a day away from their caring responsibilities can be rare.

This trip provided a chance to do just that, while sharing the experience with people who truly understand the realities of caring for someone living with dementia.

The group spent the morning exploring the stunning Aston Hall, discovering its rich history and admiring the beautiful surroundings.

The visit sparked conversations, laughter and shared memories, and the atmosphere was jovial throughout.

The day continued with afternoon tea at the Aston Tavern, where staff went above and beyond to make the group feel welcomed, valued and cared for.

Many Carers were deeply moved by the experience, with several brought to tears upon realising this occasion had been organised just for them.

One overcome Carer noted:

“It’s so beautiful. We never get treated like this. I can’t believe this is for us.”

The trip was particularly meaningful for those who attended alongside the person they care for. Being part of a group like this provides Carers confidence to continue doing everyday activities together.

Another Carer explained:

“Coming out with the group helps me feel like we can do normal things again. I know there will always be someone to help if I need it. If I need to pop to the loo or just take a moment, there’s no judgement and someone is always there to support us.”

This sense of understanding, safety and mutual support is at the heart of the Dementia Carers Group.

Carers know they are among people who understand their experiences, and that they do not have to face challenges alone.

The trip highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for Carers to connect, socialise and enjoy positive experiences together.

As well as creating lasting memories, days like these help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and remind Carers that they are valued members of their community.

A huge thank you to the team at Aston Tavern for their outstanding hospitality and to everyone who joined us for making the day so special.

After another fantastic Carers Week, we will continue to recognise the incredible contribution unpaid Carers make every day and the importance of ensuring they have opportunities to take time for themselves, connect with others and access the support they deserve.

Check out more activities and groups around Dudley on our What’s On Page to see what is available to you.

What’s On Page
More about Aston Tavern

National Volunteers Week is upon us, running from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th June!

Everyone at Forward Carers would like to extend a huge thank you to the volunteers who give their time, experience and expertise to support unpaid Carers!   

Volunteers strengthen the work of Forward Carers and helps us make a significant difference to unpaid Carers across the country. 

Many of our volunteers have a personal connection to caring. They know first-hand or via family what it means to support someone who relies on you, and the challenges that can come with it.  

That experience often motivates them to give something back and help other Carers access the support, information and understanding they need. 

Our Carer Ambassadors epitomise this.  

They help raise awareness of unpaid Carers and the caring role within communities, workplaces and services. 

Hearing from somebody who has been in a similar situation can be what helps a person recognise themselves as a Carer and realise support is available. 

Alongside our volunteers, we are also fortunate to work with hundreds of Carers and former Carers through our Carers Voice programme.  

By sharing their experiences through surveys, focus groups and consultations, they help us understand what Carers need and how services can improve. 

Volunteers also play an important role within our local services.  

During Volunteers’ Week, we wanted to shine a light on two volunteers from the Dudley Young Carers service who each each contribute to the delivery of support in their own unique way. 

You can read about what they enjoy about their roles, below. 

To all of our volunteers, Carer Ambassadors and everyone who contributes through our Carers Voice programme, thank you. Your time, insight and experience help us improve what we do and reach more Carers. 

Debbie’s Volunteering Story

Why did you start volunteering with Dudley Young Carers? 

“I started volunteering with Dudley Young Carers when my daughter Sam moved over to Forward Carers. She needed some extra help at the Youth Clubs, so I offered to lend a hand when needed. At first, I thought it would just be occasional support, but I quickly became more involved. I now have my lanyard and attend every club!” 

What sort of things do you do? 

“I mainly help in the kitchen, preparing and cooking meals for the Young Carers. I know how important it is for them to have a warm meal and feel looked after when they come to club. I also help with setting up before sessions start and tidying away afterwards, making sure everything runs smoothly and the space is welcoming for the Young Carers and their families.” 

Debbie, one our volunteers at the Dudley Young Carers Service

What do you enjoy about it, and what have you learnt or what skills have you developed? 

“I really enjoy meeting the Young Carers and their families and having conversations with them. Having gone through cancer myself, and also having been a Carer for my husband when he had cancer, I feel I can relate to some of the challenges families may be facing. It helps me offer understanding, kindness and support in a way that feels personal and genuine. 

Through volunteering, I have also built my confidence and developed new skills. I have completed my food hygiene training through Dudley Young Carers, which has helped me feel more confident preparing meals safely.” 

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering? 

“I would thoroughly recommend it. You get so much out of volunteering, and it feels really rewarding to know you are helping Young Carers and their families. Even giving a small amount of time can make a big difference, and it is a lovely team to be part of.” 

Caitlyn’s Volunteering Story

Why did you start volunteering with Dudley Young Carers? 

“I am a Carer myself and was with Dudley Young Carers and they helped me a lot, so I thought I could offer my help back.” 

What sort of things do you do? 

“I do loads of crafts with the children. It can be anything like colouring or making things such as keyrings or loom bands (though they do get everywhere!). I also help out on trips as an extra pair of hands.” 

What do you enjoy about it, and what have you learnt or what skills have you developed? 

“I enjoy being able to help the children with what they need or if they need help with a task. I guess a skill I’ve learnt is understanding children and what they need.” 

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering? 

“Do it. It’s fun, you get to do things you didn’t think you were able to do and you get to make friends!” 

Volunteer with us

Debbie and Caitlyn came to volunteering through different experiences, but both share something in common: caring has been part of their lives and they wanted to use that experience to help others. 

Their stories reflect something we see across Forward Carers. People often get involved because they understand the difference that support, understanding and the right opportunities can make. 

Thank you again to all our Volunteers, and we will continue to work tirelessly to support unpaid Carers across the UK.

If you are interested in volunteering with Forward Carers, you can find out more about current opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. 

Volunteer with us

Below you can read Marilyn’s caring story. With Dementia Action Week upon us, she shares her experience of caring for her husband Bob following his dementia diagnosis and why it’s so important for unpaid Carers to seek support before reaching crisis. 

Marilyn and Bob’s Dementia Journey 

In 2017, when Bob was just 64, he was diagnosed with mixed dementia. Bob was not particularly concerned by the diagnosis and did not believe there was anything seriously wrong.  

I was not shocked, as two years before this I had noticed Bob was forgetting things and could not remember how to drive to familiar places. Although I was not surprised, it was still hard to hear. I worried about the future and how quickly he might decline. 

There is nothing that can be done. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. I knew he would never get better. 

Life after Bob’s diagnosis 

Life carried on pretty much as normal. The diagnosis did not really change anything; it just confirmed my suspicions. Bob had good days and bad days and can struggle to find the right words. 

Bob was a chiropodist and would drive to the houses of his clients. When he started to really struggle to find his way there, I would go with him to give him directions. Then it became necessary for me to actually drive him to his client appointments. This teamwork was successful until Bob retired at the age of 67. 

When Bob retired, I did my best to keep us both busy. We went to Dementia Cafés, concerts and get-togethers to keep his mind active and stimulated. 

Over the last 12 months, Bob has really declined. He was not sleeping and wanted to walk all the time. I had to keep the doors locked, and the strain of it all was exhausting. 

The day everything changed 

The breaking point came when we went to our caravan in North Wales. Bob insisted on going out and taking our French bulldog, Bella, with him. I could not contain him or persuade him to leave Bella behind. He said he would only be ten minutes. 

After fifteen minutes, I knew he had got lost. 

The owners of the caravan park helped me look for him, and I ended up calling the police. An hour and a half after he left the caravan, the police found him, and they were very kind and understanding. Tragically, Bella had died during the walk.  

I was distraught, and Bob was extremely distressed and confused. I felt overwhelmed by the situation, but I also knew he did not understand what had happened. Of course, I could not blame him. 

Bob did not fully understand what had happened to Bella, which made an already devastating situation even harder. This came during an already painful time. I had lost my dad the previous April. I felt like I was losing Bob, and then I had just lost my little Bella. 

Reaching Carer Crisis 

This was the last straw. I could not take any more, and I ended up in carer crisis. I went for a Carer’s meeting and just burst into tears. 

Dudley Carers Hub was amazing. They could see I was on my knees, so they organised emergency respite. 

Later, I had to make the devastating decision for Bob to move into permanent residential care, which I now fund. 

I was not sleeping. I had no choice. It was heartbreaking decision. 

Bob’s life now 

Since September last year, Bob has been living in a care home that suits him well. The care team have adapted to his needs and understand his behaviour. 

Despite his dementia, Bob remains active and surprisingly nimble, and the care team work hard to keep him safe while supporting his independence! 

I visit Bob most days. Thankfully, he still remembers me, although he no longer remembers any of our family or friends that he has known for years.  

We had such a full, happy life together. We had a house in Spain, we sailed in Corfu, and went on cruises. I am so grateful to have those memories to hold on to, although Bob sadly has no recollection of them.  

Caring for someone with dementia feels like a living grief to me. The person is still alive, but the Bob I used to know no longer really exists.

Why I now support other Carers 

I keep myself busy by going to Knit and Natter, the Dementia Café and Carer groups. I run a monthly Carer group and offer support to other Carers as much as I can, encouraging them to seek support. 

I cannot help Bob much more now really, and I just think there are so many Carers out there at their wits’ end. I want to do something to help other people who are in the same position as me. 

I still have bad days. I got up the other morning, heard some music on the radio and started crying, and I just could not stop. 

The support I have received 

In addition to having support from Dudley Carers Hub, I have also had help from Dudley Adult Wellbeing Carers Service.

Mandy has been great. I attend her meetings where she provides advice and brings in expert speakers. I have also enjoyed the trips she has organised for Carers. 

I also want to say a special thanks to Dudley Me Myself and I group, and Caroline Millington who has been brilliant, and who gave us great support throughout our journey and still do now.  

My advice to other Carers is to accept help and do not let yourself get to crisis point before asking. Support is available, and no Carer should have to cope alone. 

Sharing your Caring Story 

If, like Marilyn, you would like to share your caring story to help other Carers, please complete the form below.

We can use an image from a photo library and change your name if you would prefer to remain anonymous. 

Share your Story

Caring for someone you love can be one of the most rewarding roles you’ll ever take on, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to navigate complex systems, finances, and future planning on your own.

A lot of these feelings might be new to you, and that’s why workshops and group sessions are such an important part of the support available to Carers in Dudley.

They’re not just about information, but they also help build confidence and help Carers live their lives to the fullest.

More than just information

We know that many Carers spend months, or even years, trying to figure things out on their own. Whether it’s understanding benefits, planning for the future, or knowing your legal rights, it can feel like there’s no clear starting point.

Our workshops are designed to change that.

They provide:

This can be instrumental for Carers in breaking down complex topics into clear, practical guidance, these sessions can:

Real impact for Carers

We’ve already seen the difference that this kind of support can make.

Carers who have attended previous sessions have accessed wellbeing support, received help to understand what benefits they may be entitled to, and been supported to maximise their income, making day-to-day life a little easier during a time when many households are under real financial pressure.

One Carer shared:

“Thank you for the support. We did not know we were also entitled to these benefits. These will help with paying for food and bills because everything has become really expensive.”

This kind of feedback shows how workshops can have a direct impact, building knowledge of the support that is available for Carers.

Whilst not all workshops focus on the financial support you could be entitled to, they can all support you to improve your life as a Carer.

Upcoming workshops in Dudley

We’re continuing to build on this support with a series of free workshops at Brett Young Carers Hub, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen, B63 3TB:

These in-person sessions offer a welcoming and supportive space for Carers to learn, ask questions, and connect with others.

Please feel free to join!

Our virtual workshops

We also know that not every Carer is able to attend in person.

That’s why we also run virtual workshops.

Whether in person or online, these workshops are about more than learning.

Check out more of the events happening in Dudley on our What’s On Page below!

What’s On Page

There was a real buzz of excitement on Monday night, as Dudley Young Carers joined a special online workshop with award winning children’s author Rab Ferguson.

Ferguson’s book series, The Late Crew, is brilliantly fast-paced, packed with adventure, mystery… and aliens! It tell the story of a group of Young Carers who embark on alien adventures.

Speaking to the Voice’s Tom Beasley, Ferguson recounted what he wanted the books to convey:

“I wanted it to be something that was really fun for young carers to read. So I wanted there to be alien adventures and silliness and slime that can take over people’s bodies… I wanted it to be this adventure that any child could enjoy, but particularly Young Carers would find it good to see kids similar to themselves in books.”

Dudley Young Carers were certainly excited at the opportunity to step into Ferguson’s world of adventure, and it did not disappoint!

From the very start, the session captured everyone’s imagination. Rab treated the group to a live reading from The Late Crew, bringing the story to life and giving our Young Carers a chance to hear the characters and action exactly as the author imagined them. It didn’t take long before curiosity and creativity took over. 

Creating Aliens Like No Other

Inspired by the story, the group took on a fun and imaginative challenge: design their very own aliens! 
 
The ideas were as creative as they were unique. Young Carers thought about: 
– Shape and size – from tiny glowing creatures to towering giants   
– Smell – some sweet like lavender, others… not so pleasant!   
– Superpowers – invisibility, time travel, mind-reading and more   
– Mission to Earth – from helping humans, to secret undercover plans   
 
Each alien had its own personality and purpose, showing just how imaginative and thoughtful the group were. It was a great reminder of the creativity Young Carers bring, even while managing important responsibilities at home. 

Asking the Big Questions

The session also gave Young Carers the chance to ask Rab what it’s really like to be an author. The questions were fantastic – thoughtful, curious, and sometimes very funny: 
 
– “Do your books come true?”   
– “Why did you include a young carer in your book?”   
– “What made you want to become an author?”   
 
Rab shared that stories don’t come true in the way we might think—but they are often inspired by real life, real people, and real feelings. He explained that including a young carer in The Late Crew was really important to him, helping to make sure young carers feel seen, recognised, and represented in stories. 

For many in the group, it was powerful to see their experiences reflected in a book. Young Carers are often balancing school, friendships, and caring responsibilities—so seeing characters like themselves in exciting, adventurous stories helps build confidence and a sense of belonging. 

Session to Remember

The workshop wasn’t just about reading—it was about creativity, confidence, and connection. It gave Young Carers the chance to: 
– Express themselves through storytelling and design   
– Engage directly with an author   
– See their experiences valued and represented   
 
It can often be challenging for Young Carers to engage in creative activities, due to restraints with finances, time or travel.

At Dudley Young Carers Hub, we are committed to providing these opportunities for Young Carers, and Ferguson’s session was an excellent chance for them to explore some of these creative adventures.

Most importantly, it was fun. And sometimes, that’s exactly what Young Carers need. 
 
Who knows? After a session like this, we might just have some future authors—and alien designers—in the making! 

Find Out More!

More about Rab Ferguson’s ‘Late Night Crew’
More about the Literary Trust
More about Young Carers Books Partnership

Read real stories from Young Carers in Dudley and learn how Dudley Young Carers Service supports young people with caring responsibilities.

Many young people across Dudley quietly support family members who need help. These young people are known as Young Carers. If you are a Young Carer, or there is a child or young person helping in your household, support is available through Dudley Dudley Young Carers Service.


Young Carers often balance school, friendships, and everyday life alongside caring responsibilities. With the right support, they can build confidence, improve wellbeing, and connect with others who understand their experiences.

What Is a Young Carer?

A Young Carer is a child or young person under 18 who helps care for a family member who may:


Young Carers may help with practical tasks at home, provide emotional support, or care for siblings. Without support, these responsibilities can affect education, social life and emotional wellbeing. That is why services like Dudley Young Carers Service exist.

What’s Like Being a Young Carer?

(Names and images have been changed to protect anonymity).

What do Young Carers in Dudley Think About our Support?

During the school holidays, some of the Young Carers went to Dudley Zoo, Cannon Raceway (go karting), Dudley canal trip, Legoland Discovery Centre, Baggerbridge Adventure and even Cadbury World.

“I am having the best time!” (Youth Club)

“I have never done this before, its so fun!” – (High Ropes at Baggeridge)

“I made a friend, and she lives near me too. I am going to see if we can have a play date after school one day”

“We can’t go out much, so I like coming here” (Summer Youth Club)

“Can we do this again next year – I had the best time” (Outdoor Activity)

Get Support for Young Carers in Dudley

If you are a Young Carer, or know a child/teenager who helps care for a family member, support is available through Dudley Young Carers Service providing:

Start receiving free support by clicking the relevant link.

I am a Young Carer aged 5 – 17
I am a Professional

#YoungCarersActionDay

Wednesday 11th March 2026 marks Young Carers Action Day, a national day dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges faced by the estimated 120,000 Young Carers across the UK.  

Young Carers can face an array of additional challenges as a result of their role, often impacting their own education, wellbeing and childhood.  

Young Carers Action Day shines a light on these challenges, highlighting how through signposting, support and community, we can help Young Carers live their childhood too.  

Fair Futures for Young Carers

This year’s theme is “Fair Futures for Young Carers.” The campaign focuses on ensuring that young people with caring responsibilities have the same opportunities as their peers to learn, grow, and achieve their ambitions. 

Research from Carers First highlights the scale of the challenge: 

These figures highlight how caring responsibilities can create barriers that affect not only a young person’s current wellbeing but also their future opportunities and life outcomes. 

At Forward Carers, we see first-hand the realities of this.  

We recently supported a 14-year-old girl who had become the primary Carer in her household after her mother left the family home. 

She was caring for her father, who has learning difficulties, a physical disability, and ongoing mental health challenges, as well as her younger brother, aged eight. 

With no other adult in the home, she had taken on responsibilities far beyond what most children experience. Her role included: 

  1. Supporting her father with bathing, toileting and getting out of bed 
  2. Cooking meals for the household 
  3. Helping her younger brother get to school and supporting him with homework 
  4. Leaving school during the day to check on and support her father 

This level of responsibility meant she had very little time to focus on her own education, friendships, and wellbeing. 

Sadly, this situation is not unique. Many Young Carers are managing similar responsibilities every day. 

With the right support, recognition, and access to services, Young Carers like her can be supported to reduce the weight of these responsibilities and focus on their own wellbeing, education, and future aspirations. 

In this example, our Young Carers Service were able to offer practical and community-based opportunities. This included providing food vouchers to help with immediate financial pressures, as well as inviting the children to attend local youth clubs and organised trips to encourage social interaction, confidence building, and respite from caring responsibilities.  

In addition, the family were signposted to Early Help services and Social Services so they could access further guidance, coordinated support, and longer-term assistance where needed. 

However, thousands of Young Carers across the UK are still facing similar situations without the support they need. Young Carers Action Day is an opportunity to shine a light on these hidden challenges and drive change. 

Our Commitment to Young Carers 

At Forward Carers, we are committed to ensuring that Young Carers are recognised, supported, and given the opportunities they deserve. 

Our mission is to build Carer Friendly Communities, where unpaid Carers of all ages are valued and supported to maintain their own wellbeing alongside their caring role. 

Every Young Carer deserves the chance to learn, grow, and enjoy their childhood. By working together as communities, partners, and services, we can help create fairer futures for Young Carers everywhere. 

Click HERE to find out more about Young Carers Action Day 2026! 

This Christmas, Dudley Young Carers helped spread some much-needed festive cheer by distributing Christmas presents to families of Young Carers, thanks to the generosity of Cash4Kids Mission Christmas.  Supporting at the event was Dudley Councillor Wayne Little, Cabinet member for Children and Young People.

For many Young Carers, Christmas can be a difficult time. Alongside school and friendships, they often carry caring responsibilities that can feel even heavier during the festive period. That’s why moments like these are so special — they remind Young Carers that they are seen, valued, and cared for too.

With the help of Mission Christmas, we were able to provide gifts that brought smiles, excitement, and a real sense of joy to Young Carers and their families. From thoughtful presents to festive surprises, each gift helped make Christmas feel a little brighter.

One parent shared just how much this support meant to their family:


“Christmas is such a worrying time when money is tight, and with everything else we’re dealing with, it can feel overwhelming. Knowing that my child would have something special to open on Christmas Day lifted such a weight off our shoulders. It really means more than words can say.”

We would like to extend our huge thanks to Cash4Kids Mission Christmas for their incredible work supporting children and young people, especially Young Carers in Dudley. Their kindness and community spirit truly made a difference. Thank you also to Councillor Wayne Little for helping to get the presents unloaded and ready on the tables. 

Seeing the happiness on Young Carers’ faces was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Together, through partnership and generosity, we can continue to make sure Young Carers feel supported — not just at Christmas, but all year round.

From all of us at Dudley Young Carers, thank you for helping us make this Christmas a special one.

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.