As technology is being used more frequently within health and social care settings, the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has launched a survey to explore whether GP services are being accessed digitally, and how many people in the Black Country may not have access to a digital device or connectivity or need support to improve their access, experience and outcomes.

The Black Country ICB would like to hear from as many people as possible about their experiences and any barriers faced, in accessing digital resources for their health and care needs. This will help guide future digital projects and if there is more the Board can do to support people to access digital tools, help and advice.

There are different reasons why people do not have access to a device or digital connectivity, and for some this may be by choice. Exploring the different reasons, will be invaluable to understand what help may be provided.

As this is a digital survey, we encourage you to share this opportunity with any relatives, friends, neighbours or groups who may not be online/ don’t have a digital device and may need support to complete the survey. This could be in one of the following ways:

How to complete the survey
By completing the online survey, with the help of someone who has a device or can complete it on your behalf if needed at: https://forms.office.com/e/dN7Nr2uDSF

By completing the survey over the phone – Please contact 0121 612 1447, and the ICB will arrange a call-back from the Digital Inequalities Team

By printing or requesting paper copies of this survey to share with any groups you may belong to, whom this survey might apply – please send requests directly to emma.sharman@nhs.net

Please note this survey is open until 31st March 2025.

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.


Simon Fenton, CEO of Forward Carers, captured the essence of our mission during the celebration:

“Building the Forward Carers team and partnership over the past ten years has meant everything to me. I’m proud of our focus on creating Carer Friendly Communities, which we deliver by having clear organisation-wide values around partnership, putting Carers at the centre, delivering on impact, and ensuring that everything we do also provides social value to the communities we serve.”

Reflecting on a Decade of Achievements

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

Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation

As we enter our next chapter, we’re more committed than ever to driving positive change. Our focus on innovation and digital solutions will allow us to reach even more Carers, while our partnership-driven approach remains central to our work.

Dave Rogers, CEO of Midland Mencap and Chair of the Board at Forward Carers, reflected on our journey: “Caring is a journey – sometimes overwhelming, often deeply rewarding, and always constant. Forward Carers has been on this journey for a decade, and we’re excited to continue building Carer Friendly Communities for years to come.”

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:

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. 

Date of Trip: Wednesday 25th September 2024

A Day of Respite for Local Carers
The Wellbeing team recently organised a coach trip to Blists Hill Victorian Village, located in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The trip aimed to provide a much-needed break and recreational opportunity for local Carers who devote a significant portion of their time and energy to supporting family members or loved ones. Blists Hill, a meticulously recreated Victorian town, offered participants a chance to step back in time and experience life as it was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Exploring Blists Hill
Upon arrival, the Carers were greeted by the welcoming staff of Blists Hill. The group was provided with a brief orientation and maps to navigate through the expansive village. Participants were then free to explore various attractions, including Victorian shops, workshops, and houses.

A Joyous End to the Day
As the afternoon drew to a close, the group reconvened at the coach park, sharing stories of their favourite parts of the day. The return journey was filled with chatter and laughter, with everyone reflecting on a successful and rejuvenating day out.

Positive Feedback from Carers
The feedback from Carers was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to unwind, meet others in similar roles, and immerse themselves in a different time and place. The visit to Blists Hill provided a valuable respite from the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving and reinforced the importance of community support and social engagement.

A Successful and Meaningful Experience
The coach trip to Blists Hill Victorian Village was a resounding success, fulfilling its purpose of providing a meaningful and enjoyable experience for Dudley’s dedicated Carers. Such outings are vital for promoting the well-being of Carers, offering them a chance to recharge and connect with others. The Wellbeing team looks forward to organising similar events in the future to continue supporting and celebrating unpaid Carers.

See our What’s On calendar to see more of our events.

What’s on page

We’re excited to announce that, thanks to the support of the Good Things Foundation, Forward Carers has 30 brand-new tablets available to give to Carers who demonstrate a need. These tablets can provide valuable access to online resources, support networks, and tools that can make your caring responsibilities a little easier.

How to Apply

To ensure these tablets go to Carers who need them most, we’ve set up a simple application process. You’ll need to fill in a form that helps us understand your situation and how you would benefit from having a tablet. The form will ask about:

After completing the form, you will be notified if you’ve been selected to receive a tablet. If successful, you will be able to collect your tablet from Touchbase Pears in Selly Oak at a convenient time.

Ongoing Support and Feedback

We’re committed to ensuring that Carers feel supported in using digital tools. After six weeks, we’ll be in touch with a quick feedback form. This will help us understand how the tablet has been beneficial to you, allowing us to measure the impact of this initiative and continue improving our support for Carers.

How to Apply

Complete this online form and provide as much information as possible to support your need for a tablet. A paper version of the form is available here, if this is easier for you to complete and post. If you are printed and posting your form, please send to: Forward Carers, TouchBase Pears, 750 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6NA.

By providing tablets, we aim to reduce digital exclusion among Carers, helping you stay connected, informed, and better equipped in your role. If you have any questions, please contact us via bernie.huntingdon@forwardcarers.org.uk. We look forward to hearing how these tablets will make a difference to you!

The deadline to submit your application is Sunday 20 October 2024.