Carer's Breaks Grants are provided by the Adults and Community Directorate of Birmingham city Council.  They are for carers of adults (over 18 years) who need support due to a disability, long-term illness or mental health problem.

The grant is designed to allow the carer to take a break.  It can be used towards the cost of a holiday, day trips and other activities.

The grant is for £250.00 and carers are eligible to apply every two years, but should be aware that the budget for grants is limited.

For more information or to obtain a grant application form, please call the Birmingham Carers Centre on:

0121 675 8000

CARERS UK the voice of carers

Carers UK have launched their new website.  The site contains useful resources, the latest news for carers, help and advice, information about the Mental Capacity Act, care agency directory and training opportunities.

Thers is also a 'Care Calculator' which allows Carers to calculate the value of their individual care by entering the estimated number of hours they care each day.

To visit the website go to www.carersuk.org

National Event - Working together for carers

On Thursday 15th September 2011 a nation event is taking place in Birmingham focussing on the experiences and outcomes of carers in adult social care.  The event is aimed at carers along with managers in adult social care, and voluntary sector partners.

The event is free and is an opportunity for carers to have a input into how and to learn more about how services are looking to improve for carers.

If you are interested in attending please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it stating the event title, your name and contact details.

South Birmingham Parent Support Groups:  For parents and carers who have a child on the autism spectrum

The groups are run by Autism West Midlands, and take place in Acock Green and Kings Heath.

Venue                Address                                                Dates/Times

Acocks Green      Fox Hollies children's Centre                   29th September

                         Fox Hollies Rd, Acocks Green, B27 7QA    20th October, 24th November

Kings Heath        Allens Croft Children's Centre,                28th September

                        Allens Croft Road, Kings Heath B14 6RP   30th November

                                                                                   10am - 12noon

Useful Information & Events

National Carers Summit 2011 - Carers UK's National Carers Summit takes place on the 3rd November 2011 at Clifford Chance, Canary Wharf, London. For more informaiton visit www.carersuk.org

New Carer Group Rubery - Full or part-time carers are invited to attend a new carers group.  Meeting take place on Wednesday's between 12pm and 4pm at Deelands Hall, Delands Road, Rubery B45 9RR. for more information call Barbara Hughes on 0121 457 7174

South Birmingham Carers Sroup - The South Birmingham Carers Group meet at Stirchley Community Church, Hazelwell Street, Stirchley.  Carers are welcome to attend the meeting which takes place between 11am and 2pm on the 1st September, and 29th September.

Support 4 U: A monthly carers support group

A carers group is available for people who look after someone with a mental health or long-term condition.  The monthly meetings take place at the Zinnia Centre, Sparkhill every last Wednesday of the month, at 42 Chapman Road in Small Heath every second Wednesday of the month.  For more information calll Kafilla Noorin on 0774 4708 6930

Carers' Update

October/November 2011

A message from Pat Marsan

In this update there is a passage from Pat, thanking everyone who joined her for an afternoon at the Cocksmoorwood Leisure Centre in August which was arranged by members of the Cofton Group.  Over 100 Carers Pat believes came to shar tea, cake and many happy memories. Pat said she enjoyed the impromptu parties they had at the group meetings as wel.  Pat will treasure all the cards, letters photos flowers and gifts she received, she was quite overwhelemed by everyones good wishes.  My apologies Pat for not coming to join you I did not know this was arranged.

Pat you will be greatly missed by everyone, I will miss you have been a great support.  I would just like to say a good CARER has join from the team at Moseley Hall Hospital.  You always had a smile, a good word of comfort for everyone, everyone felt at ease in you company. 

Please take care, enjoy your retirement and I hope we will meet up again.

Love Pat.xx

Parents Autism workshops and support (PAWS)

Parents with children who are autistic aged between 3 and 16 years can access the PAWS project.  The project has been set up with input from Dogs for the Disabled and aims to show the positive impact a dog can have on a child with autism and their family.  For more information call 01295 759836 or email PAWS@dogsforthe disabled.org

New Playground Opening

A fun play ground for children, including those with disabilities, has opened at the Renewal Family Centre, Vulcan Road, B91 2JY.

The playground has wheelchair swings, trampolines, musical instruments and other exciting activities.  Children mus be accopanied by a responsible adult.  For more information and opening times call Justyn Towler at the Renewal Family Centre on 0121 705 0910.

Birmingham Carers Association

The Birmingham Carers Association will be campaigning on behalf of carers over the next 12 months.  Topics include respite and short breaks, transition from school to adult services, and proposed cuts to health and social care budgets.  Birmingham Carers Association want to make the voice of carers heard.

Mencap 'Inspire Me' Scheme

The 'Inspire Me' scheme gives young people with a learning disability the chance to change their future.  the scheme is for young people aged 16 to 25 with a learning disability.

The scheme is made up of six workshops which look at volunteering, managing money, preparation for work, community and citizenship, action planning, goal setting, and confidence and well being.  For more information contact: Nithee Kotecha (Youth Worker) on 0121 722 5922 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Useful Information & Events

Older Peoples New Opportunities Consortium (OPNOC)

This is a service people over the age of 50 providing a home visiting and telephone befriending service.  They also arrange trips and produce a newsletter.  For more information call 0121 464 1890.

Austism Central: An event for individuals, families and professionals

This is a free event including products and service exhibits, education, workshops, drop in advice sessions, quiet space and creative activities.

The event takes place on the 17th November 2011 between 10am and 8pm at the Clarendon Suites, 2 Stirling road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9SB.