Lichfield residents urged to check in on hidden carers during community event

Residents across Lichfield District are being encouraged to look out for friends, neighbours and family members who may be caring for a loved one, after a recent online community event highlighted the growing need for support for unpaid carers.

Hosted by Grace Cares, the latest Online Care Club brought together local organisations and people caring for loved ones to share advice, information and practical resources.

The session was supported by Yvonne James, principal community safety officer at Lichfield District Council, who introduced the new Find My Loved One dementia support service.

The pilot will launch later this year and will be available to all Lichfield District residents and their families.

With an estimated 5.8 million unpaid carers across the UK, many people are balancing work, family life and caring responsibilities without identifying themselves as carers or knowing where to access help.

Research estimates that unpaid carers contribute an astonishing £184 billion worth of care every year, yet 1.2 million live in poverty, with 400,000 experiencing deep poverty.

As dementia diagnoses continue to rise across the UK, organisations such as Grace Cares are encouraging communities to have conversations about caring and to ensure that nobody feels they must cope alone.

Yvonne James said: "Dementia affects thousands of families across our district, and we know how distressing it can be when a loved one becomes vulnerable or goes missing. Find My Loved One has been designed to give families real reassurance and to help keep people living with dementia safe within their own communities.

“We are proud to be bringing this service to all Lichfield District residents later this year, and I would encourage anyone caring for someone with dementia to find out more and register their interest."

Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares said: "There are carers living on every street in our communities, many quietly supporting a parent, partner, friend or neighbour without ever asking for help.

“Care Club exists to provide a safe, welcoming space where people can access trusted information and connect with others who understand the challenges they face. If everyone shares this information with just one person, we can reach many more hidden carers across Lichfield who deserve support."

The Care Club is free to attend and offers practical guidance from care professionals, alongside opportunities for discussion and peer support in a friendly environment.

Anyone who missed the recent webinar and wants to know more about the Find My Loved One pilot can watch the session on the Grace Cares YouTube channel.

The next in person care club session will take place on Monday, 20 July at The Cathedral Hotel from 10am to 12pm.