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.

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. 

More on the Carer Friendly ID Card

If you are yet to apply for your Carer ID Card, or want to know more about what it is and how it can support you in your Caring role, click on the link below to view our dedicated blog explaining this. 

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.

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.

Are you ready to rediscover your confidence, explore new opportunities, and take the next step after caring?

Forward Carers, in partnership with BMet College, is excited to offer the ReStart: Next Steps Programme — a free two-week course designed especially for current and former unpaid Carers. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, this brand-new programme has been co-created to help Carers build confidence, reflect on their skills, and take positive steps towards education, training, or work.

What’s Included

🗓 Key Dates

• Assessment Day: Wednesday 12th November, 10am–1pm
• Course Dates: Monday 17th November – Friday 5th December
• Location: Matthew Boulton College, 1 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7PS

Why Join?

Caring for someone often means putting your own ambitions on hold. The ReStart Programme is here to remind you of your potential and help you take the next step — whether that’s returning to education, exploring a new career path, or simply regaining confidence in what you have to offer.

This course has been developed with Carers in mind, combining expert guidance from BMet tutors with Forward Carers’ understanding of Carer experiences. Together, we’re helping to build Carer Friendly Communities across the West Midlands, where every Carer feels recognised, valued, and supported to thrive.

Book Your Free Place

Spaces are limited — don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future.

For more information, contact adultskills@bmet.ac.uk

Dementia Action Week, taking place from Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May 2025, is a national initiative led by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by organisations, communities, and individuals across the UK.
It is a vital opportunity to raise awareness, improve understanding, and inspire action to support those living with Dementia and the Carers who support them.

🧠 What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
There are many different types of Dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing — it is caused by diseases of the brain.
While it is more common in people over 65, younger people can also be affected.

Living with Dementia can be challenging, not just for the individual, but also for the family members and friends who take on caring responsibilities. Raising awareness and promoting understanding helps create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone affected.

💬 Why Dementia Action Week Matters

Dementia Action Week is about more than just raising awareness — it is about taking action.
By improving knowledge and understanding, we can tackle stigma, encourage early diagnosis, and ensure that those living with Dementia and their Carers have access to the support they need.

Key aims of Dementia Action Week include:

• Raising public understanding of what Dementia is and how it affects individuals and families.
• Encouraging people to seek help early if they are concerned about memory problems.
• Promoting Dementia-friendly communities, where people living with Dementia feel supported, understood, and included.
• Highlighting the vital role of unpaid Carers, who provide incredible support to loved ones living with Dementia.

🌍 How You Can Support Dementia Action Week

Everyone has a part to play in making a difference. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Learn more about Dementia: Take some time to understand the different types of Dementia and how they affect people.
• Start conversations: Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about Dementia to help normalise the conversation.
• Challenge misconceptions: Help tackle stigma by sharing accurate information and encouraging understanding.
• Support Carers: Acknowledge and appreciate the incredible work of those caring for someone living with Dementia.
• Promote kindness and patience: Small acts of patience and empathy can make everyday situations easier for someone living with Dementia.

Together, we can create a society that is more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for those living with Dementia and their Carers. Whilst a diagnosis can be life-changing, it does not define a person.
By working together, raising awareness, and taking positive action, we can build communities where everyone affected by Dementia feels valued, understood, and supported.

This week — and every week — let’s take action for a better future for people living with Dementia and those who care for them.

This year, Forward Carers proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: a decade of empowering unpaid Carers and championing Carer Friendly Communities. Since our establishment in 2014, our mission has been clear – to ensure that Carers are understood, valued, and supported in every aspect of their lives. We hope that whatever way Forward Carers has had input into your life and caring journey that it has been in a positive way.

A Decade of Dedication

Over the past ten years, Forward Carers has grown into an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise and Community Interest Company. By working alongside a network of trusted partners, we’ve extended our reach to provide tailored support to Carers of all ages across Walsall, Wiltshire, Dorset, Birmingham, and Dudley. Our journey has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of Carers.

Marking the Moment: Our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration

On 7th December, we marked this significant milestone with a celebratory event at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. This special evening was a time for reflection and gratitude as we honoured the people and partnerships that have shaped our journey.

Reflecting on a Decade of Achievements

As we celebrate this milestone, we take pride in the progress we’ve made:

• Supporting More Carers: We’ve registered and supported over 41,746 unpaid Carers, providing essential resources and services that cater to their unique needs.

• Investing in Communities: Over the past decade, we’ve channelled £16.5 million into the not-for-profit sector, helping to ensure Carers have access to impactful, locally rooted support.

• Championing Carer Friendly Communities: Through our efforts, over 2,606 businesses have taken steps to become Carer Friendly, whether by offering discounts, undergoing Carer awareness training, or creating supportive workplaces.

• Making a Tangible Impact: Our support has made a real difference. After engaging with Forward Carers, 7 in 10 Carers report feeling more positive about their caring role and experiencing improved physical and mental health.

• Carers Voice Programme: Engaging nearly 1,000 Carers annually, this initiative ensures that Carer feedback informs and shapes our services. Our dedicated Carer Ambassadors play a vital role in amplifying the voices of Carers and ensuring our services remain effective.

Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation

Thank You!

Our success over the past ten years would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and, most importantly, Carers themselves. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain inspired by the resilience and dedication of unpaid Carers and are determined to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

As the festive season approaches, we at Dudley Carers Hub want to take a moment to wish all Carers and their families a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. Your dedication and hard work throughout the year do not go unnoticed, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

During this busy time, please take care of yourselves and remember to reach out for support if you need it. Below, you will find our upcoming opening hours for the holiday period. Please make a note of these dates to ensure you can access the help you need:

Holiday Opening Hours:

• Monday 23/12/2024: Open as normal 9:00am- 5:00pm
• Tuesday 24/12/2024: Closed
• Wednesday 25/12/2024: Closed
• Thursday 26/12/2024: Closed
• Friday 27/12/2024: Open as normal 9:00am- 5:00pm
• Monday 30/12/2024: Open as normal 9:00am- 5:00pm
• Tuesday 31/12/2024: Open as normal 9:00am- 5:00pm
• Wednesday 01/01/2025: Closed
• Thursday 02/01/2025: Open as normal 9:00am- 5:00pm
• Friday 03/01/2025: Open as normal 9:00am- 5:00pm
  

If you need support outside of these times, remember that there are additional resources and services available on our website.

Here are some emergency numbers that can be used nationally over the festive period:

999: The main emergency number for police, ambulance, fire brigade, coastguard, cliff rescue, mountain rescue, and cave rescue

101: The non-emergency number for the police

111: The NHS number that can help if you think you need medical help right now

The Mental Health Advice & Support Line: 0800 138 0990

Shout: A free, confidential, and anonymous text service that offers mental health support 24/7. You can text SHOUT to 85258.

Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide): Provides advice and support for young people who feel like they want to take their own life. You can call their HOPELineUK on 0800 068 41 41 or text 07786 209687.

The holiday season can be a challenging time for many Carers, but it can also be a time to reflect on the positive impact you have on your loved ones’ lives. Your commitment makes a world of difference, and we are grateful to be part of your journey.

From all of us at Forward Carers, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Stay safe, take care, and we look forward to supporting you in 2025.

A group of Dudley Carers had the opportunity to visit the Red House Cone Glassmaking Museum in Stourbridge, renowned for its rich glassmaking heritage. The trip aimed to provide Carers with a creative and relaxing experience, allowing them to step away from their daily responsibilities and enjoy a day of learning and hands-on activity. The highlight of the visit was a glass fusing workshop, where participants created unique glass art pieces. 

The group arrived at the Red House Cone Glassmaking Museum in the morning, warmly welcomed by the museum’s staff. After a brief orientation, the Carers embarked on a guided tour of the historic glass cone, a rare surviving structure from the Industrial Revolution. 

Glass Fusing Workshop

Following the tour, the group participated in a glass fusing workshop. Designed to introduce Carers to the art of fusing glass, allowing them to express their creativity in a supportive and fun environment. Participants worked with vibrant glass pieces, learning techniques such as cutting, layering, and designing their compositions.

For many, this was a new and exciting experience. The activity fostered creativity and mindfulness, offering a therapeutic escape from daily routines. Carers expressed pride and surprise at their artistic abilities, while others enjoyed the opportunity to bond with fellow participants. 

Feedback highlighted the workshop as the most enjoyable part of the day, with Carers valuing the chance to learn a new skill and take home a reminder of the day. The visit also sparked interest in exploring more creative activities and trips in the future. 

The visit to Red House Cone Glassmaking Museum and participation in the glass fusing workshop provided Carers with a much-needed respite, promoting well-being, creativity, and social connection. The event was a resounding success, reinforcing the importance of offering Carers opportunities to recharge and engage in enriching experiences. Future trips will aim to build on this success, further supporting Carers in their roles.