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Preventing Crisis Before it Happens: Accessing Free Wellbeing Checks for Carers

Unpaid Carers can spend so much time supporting others, that often our own health and wellbeing gets overlooked.

At Sandwell Carers Service, we believe that supporting Carers to stay well is just as important as supporting the person you care for. 

That’s why we offer free Carer Wellbeing Checks.

A wellbeing check is a personalised conversation designed to help you identify the support that’s right for you, before challenges become overwhelming. 

It’s an opportunity to pause, talk about how caring is affecting your life, and explore the support that could make things easier. 

In this article, we break down what you can expect from a Carer Wellbeing Check, the real impact it has had for Carers in Sandwell, and the additional support that is available.

What are Carer Wellbeing Checks?

A Carer Wellbeing Check is an opportunity to step back and look at how caring is affecting every aspect of your life.

Together with one of our experienced Wellbeing Advisers, you’ll explore what’s going well, what you’re finding difficult and what support could make a positive difference. 

Checks are available for people at any stage of Caring, and can be useful even if you are an experienced Carer.

A Wellbeing Check usually takes around 45–60 minutes and can be arranged in the way that works best for you.

This might be over the phone, on video call, or face to face at one of our community venues or outreach locations.

A Wellbeing Check is designed to identify issues early, helping to prevent problems from escalating into crisis. 

Taking small steps early can make a lasting difference to your health, and Wellbeing Checks are designed to address this.

Every caring role is different, though, which is why every check is tailored to your individual circumstances. 

During your wellbeing check, we might discuss:

• Your physical and emotional wellbeing 

• Balancing caring with work, education or family life 

• Financial worries and benefits you may be entitled to 

• Taking regular breaks from caring 

• Your support network 

• Emergency and future planning 

• Local groups and wellbeing activities 

• Accessing health and social care services 

• Any concerns you may have now or in the future 

‘It’s been a Lifeline’: Real Stories, Real Impact

One Carer in Sandwell found herself caring for both parents after her father unexpectedly suffered a stroke while her mother was living with dementia.

She gave up work to become a full-time Carer and felt overwhelmed by the responsibility. 

Through her Wellbeing Check, we connected her with local peer support groups, provided practical information and advice, and gave her a trusted point of contact whenever she needed support. 

Reflecting on the experience, she said: 

“To me, it’s been a lifeline. We didn’t know where to go. It’s been great to offload and open my heart to someone who I know I can trust. I now know someone is always there at the end of the phone.

I love having such a local group that I can attend to meet others and not feel alone. I feel better equipped now.” 

Another parent Carer contacted us because she was facing serious housing difficulties while caring for her teenage daughter with additional needs.  

During her Wellbeing Check, it became clear that she also needed support with advocacy and her own emotional wellbeing. 

We arranged referrals to an Independent Advocate and specialist wellbeing services, ensuring she had someone to represent her interests while also supporting her mental health. 

When we met her again at our Carers Week event, she told us she felt listened to, understood and much less alone.

She had regained the confidence to leave her home, engage with community and felt reassured knowing support was available whenever she needed it. 

What Happens Next?

Following your Wellbeing Check, we’ll agree a personalised action plan based on what’s important to you. 

Depending on your circumstances, we may: 

• Provide tailored information and advice 

• Signpost you to local support groups and community activities 

• Refer you to specialist organisations 

• Help you access welfare benefits or financial advice 

• Support you with emergency planning 

• Introduce you to wellbeing activities and peer support 

• Help you navigate health and social care services 

• Discuss whether a referral for a Statutory Carer’s Assessment would be appropriate 

Many Carers contact us with one specific concern, only to discover there are other areas where support could make a real difference. 

The Sandwell Carers Service works alongside a wide range of community organisations, NHS services, local authorities and specialist partners so that Carers receive the right support at the right time. 

Wellbeing Check or Statutory Carers Assessment: What’s the Difference?

During the first three months of 2026, almost half of all new registrations were from Carers enquiring about a Carer’s Assessment or Carer’s Payment.

However, many also needed emotional support, advocacy, counselling, community activities, wellbeing support and practical advice.

A Wellbeing Check helps identify these wider needs and ensures Carers receive the right support at the right time. 

By law, unpaid Carers can also receive a Statutory Carer’s Assessment, which looks at whether you are eligible for certain additional support.

Both Wellbeing Checks and Statutory Carer’s Assessments are unique, and offer different but valuable opportunities for Carers.

Importantly, having a Wellbeing Check does not prevent you from having a Statutory Carer’s Assessment if this is appropriate. 

In fact, your Wellbeing Adviser can help identify when a referral to Adult Social Care would be beneficial. 

Get Your Wellbeing Check

You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to ask for help. 

At Sandwell Carers Service, we’re here to help you stay well, stay connected and continue caring with confidence. 

Book your free Carer Wellbeing Check Today.