Reaching Carers in Communities Across Sandwell

Tracy Spatola, Sandwell Carers Outreach Advisor visiting the UK Asian Women’s Centre

Sandwell Carers Service is working with community organisations across the borough to make sure unpaid Carers from all backgrounds know that support is available and can access it when they need it.

Supporting Sandwell’s diverse communities

Sandwell is home to a rich mix of cultures, backgrounds and communities. This diversity is one of the borough’s strengths and it is important that Carer support is inclusive, accessible and welcoming to everyone. At Sandwell Carers Service, we believe everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. We want unpaid Carers from every community to feel that our service is for them and that they can access the right support, regardless of their background, culture or circumstances.

That is why we work closely with a range of trusted Community Partners who understand and have strong connections with the communities they serve. Our partners help us reach more families, identify Carers who may not know that support is available and make it easier for people to connect with Sandwell Carers Service.

Taking support into the heart of local communities

We know that not everyone will come directly to a Carers service for help. Some people may not recognise themselves as a Carer, while others may feel more comfortable talking about their caring responsibilities somewhere familiar to them. That is why our Outreach Advisors take Sandwell Carers Service directly into community groups and venues across the borough.

By meeting people in places where they already feel comfortable, we can raise awareness of unpaid caring, explain the free support available and help people register with the service.

Our Outreach Advisors have visited, or are planning to visit:

• UK Asian Women’s Centre
• Halesowen Asian Elders
• The Kuumba Centre, part of Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF)
• Khushi South Asian Women Community Group
• Yemeni Community Association

During these visits, Sharon and Tracy, our Sandwell Carers Outreach Advisors, have been able to speak directly with Carers, answer questions and help people connect with support.

The photos oppoosite are taken from a visit to a Carers group at SACMHF’s Kuumba Centre.

Building relationships that make a difference

Tracy said:

“We really enjoyed our visits to the UK Asian Women’s Centre, Halesowen Asian Elders and the Kuumba Centre. I’ve also arranged to attend the Khushi South Asian Women Community Group lunch club in October, which I’m really looking forward to.

“Sharon and I have also been invited to attend the launch of Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation’s new premises in West Bromwich in February 2027, which is really exciting.

“It’s always great to connect directly with Carers in the community and make sure they know what help is available.”

These relationships are an important part of our aim to reach Carers earlier, before caring responsibilities become overwhelming or reach crisis point.

Meet us at the Khushi Lunch Club
Our next community visit will include the Khushi South Asian Women Community Group Lunch Club:

Wednesday 21 October 2026
11.00am–2.00pm
Gayton Road Community Centre, West Bromwich, B71 1QS.
The lunch club costs £7 for members and £9 for non-members.
For dietary requirements, contact Davinder on 07875 121256.

Help us reach more Carers

Sandwell Carers Service is here for unpaid Carers from all families, cultures and communities across the borough.

By working alongside community organisations, we can reach people in places they already know and trust, raise awareness of caring and connect more Carers with information, advice and support.

If you run or attend a community group in Sandwell and would like our team to visit, we would love to hear from you.

We can come along to talk about unpaid caring, explain the support available through Sandwell Carers Service and help Carers connect with our service.

Call: 0121 798 2372
Email: info@sandwellcarers.org.uk

Together with our Community Partners, we want to make sure every Carer in Sandwell has the opportunity to be recognised, valued and supported.