Success for Birmingham Carers' Centre

9.55.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 4th Aug 2007

Caring for carers: Councillor Sue Anderson (left) has welcomed the success of the Birmingham Carers' Centre.

Councillor Sue Anderson (Sheldon Ward), Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, has welcomed the success of the Birmingham Carers' Centre, which provides support for family carers, over its first year.

More than 3,000 family carers visited the centre in Colmore Row since it opened on 1 August last year. Almost 10,000 people - both family carers and professionals supporting carers - have also used the centre's confidential helpline.

Councillor Sue Anderson said: "Everyone involved is delighted that such a large number of carers have visited the centre to get help and advice as well as meet other carers during coffee mornings and drop-in sessions."

"Many carers wouldn't define themselves as such, but a carer is anyone who provides help and support for someone who could not otherwise manage due to illness, disability or frailness."

"Feedback has been very positive and we now have a growing register of carers who want to be informed of all activities the centre is involved in."

The centre provides regular drop-in and information sessions, pre-bereavement counselling and help with writing CVs and preparing for job interviews for family carers trying to get back into employment. Staff from a range of agencies such as CRUSE and Crossroads work at the centre, including trainers, information officers and a short breaks officer, with three emergency response co-ordinators due to start later in the year.

The centre is funded through Birmingham City Council by the Department of Health carers grant and looks set to open on Saturdays from October on a trial basis.

The centre is currently open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm or people can telephone the confidential helpline on 0121 675 8000.